The Cosine Law
Proof:
We consider a triangle ABC then we can have three possible figures where angle C is acute in figure i, right angle in figure ii and obtuse in figure iii.
From A draw AD perpendicular to BC ( Produce BC if necessary )
In ΔABC, AB2 = AD2 + BD2
c2 = AD2 + BD2 Ⅰ
In figure (i), AD = bSinC
Also,
DC = ACCosC = bCosC
BD = BC - DC = a-bCosC
Now from equation Ⅰ,
c2 = AD2 + BD2 (becomes)
c2 = (bSinC)2 + (a-bCosC)2
c2...
for all figures