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= b2Sin2C+ a2- 2abCosC + b2CosC2
c2= b2+ a2- 2abCosC
2abCosC = b2+ a2- c2
Similarly in figure ii,
AB2= BC2...