A Semi-Detailed Lesson Plan in Mathematics 8
Prepared by: Vanessa Joyce S. Namoco
I. Objectives
Within a 60-minute lesson, the students are expected to do the following with at least
75% level of accuracy:
a. state law of cosines;
b. solve oblique triangles using the law of cosines (SSS Case); and
c. participate actively during class discussion and group activity.
II. Subject Matter
Topic: The Law of Cosines and Its Application
Reference: Mathematics Learner’s Material 9 (page 497-501), Bryant, Merden L., et.al.
Materials: Instructional materials, Calculator, Laptop, LED TV / Projector
III. Procedure
A. Preparation
Greetings
Prayer
Checking of attendance
Review
B. Motivation
Directions: Answer the following problem. Find the answer below and notice the letter
next to it. Each time the exercise number appears in the code, write this letter above it.
1. 52 − 42
2. 32 − 62
3. 42
4. 92
5. 2(3)(4)
6. 3(4)(3)
7. 202 − 157
8. 80°·+ 30° + N = 180
9. 180° − 110
10. A triangle whose angles are less than 90° is called _________.
11. A triangle which does not contain any right angle is called _________.
12. A triangle in which one of the angles is more than 90° is called _________.
Answers: O 45 S 70° W 9 F oblique
A acute L 16 C obtuse
E 24 I 81 N 36
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
3 9 1 2 10 11 7 8 4 6 5 12
C. Presentation/Discussion
Posting the learning objectives
Presents the topic
Law of Cosines (SSS case)
The Law of Cosines states that the square of the length of one side is equal to the
sum of the squares of other to sides minus the product of twice of the two sides and the
cosines of the angle between them.
In any ABC A
b
c
B C
a
a2 = b2 + c2 – 2bc (cosA)
b2 = a2 + c2 – 2ac (cosB)
c2 = a2 + b2 – 2ab (cosC)
The Law of Cosines can be used in the following situation:
1. Three sides are given
2. Two sides and the included angle are given
Example: Two boats that are 7 ft apart pull a barge, as shown. If the
length of one capable is 8 ft and the length of the other is 9 ft, find the
angle formed by the two cables.
Solution:
To solve for ∠A To solve for ∠B
a2 = b2 + c2 – 2bc (cosA) b2 = a2 + c2 – 2ac (cosB)
72 = 82 + 92 – 2(8)(9) (cosA) 82 = 72 + 92 – 2(7)(9) (cosB)
49 = 64 + 81 – 144 cosA 64 = 49 + 81 – 126 cosB
49 = 145 – 144 cosA 64 = 130 – 126 cosB
49 – 145 = –144 cosA 49 – 130 = –126 cosB
−96 −144 cos A −66 −126 cos B
= =
−144 −144 −126 −126
96 66
= cosA = cosB
144 126
0.67 = cosA 0.52 = cosB
cos −1(0.67) = A cos −1(0.52) = B
47.93° = A 58.67° = B
To solve for ∠C, substitute the value of ∠A and ∠B
47.93°+58.67°+∠C = 180°
106.6°+∠C =180°
∠C = 180° – 106.6°
∠C = 74.3°
D. Application
Directions: The class will be divided into 6 groups. Each group will be given 5
minutes to finish their work. The following rubrics will be the guide for the activity.
5 Points 3 Points 1 Point
Accuracy Correct answer Correct answer but Incorrect answer
following all steps some steps are
missing
Promptness Finish the work Finish the work Finish the work
before the time limit within the time limit exceeding the time
limit
Cooperation All members Few members No cooperation at
cooperated cooperated all
Explanation is Explanation is little Explanation is
Explanation detailed and clear less difficult to difficult to
understand understand
Directions: Use the law of cosines to find the missing parts of the oblique
triangles.
C A
b=4 a=7 c=6
b=5
A B C B
c=9 a=8
Group 1: solve for angle A Group 4: solve for angle A
Group 2: solve for angle B Group 5: solve for angle B
Group 3: solve for angle C Group 6: solve for angle C
E. Generalization
What is Law of Cosines?
When are we going to use the Law of Cosines?
IV. Evaluation
Directions: Directions: Choose the letter of the correct answer.
1. The _____ is the square of the length of one side of a triangle equals to the sum of the
squares of the other two sides minus the product of the twice the two sides and the cosine
of the angle between them
a. Law of Cosines c. Law of Tangent
b. Law of Sine d. Law of Cotangent
2. The following are the equations of the laws of cosines EXCEPT:
a. a2 = b2 + c2 – 2bc(cosA)
b. a2 + b2 + c2 = 2bc(cosA)
c. b2 = a2 + c2 – 2ac(cosA)
d. c2 = a2 + b2 – 2ab(cosA)
3. How many sides of a triangle do you need to know in order to use the law of cosines?
a. 0 c. 3
b. 1 d. 2
4. What is the measure of angle A?
a. 79.98° c.74.18°
b. 85.68° d.75.52°
5. What is the measure of angle B?
a. 79.05° c.76.45°
b. 75.98° d.78.08°
V. Assignment
Directions: Illustrate and solve for the missing sides and angle of an oblique triangle
(SAS Case).
A bird is sitting on the top of the Leaning tower of Pisa. It spots some food 20ft away
from the base of the tower. How far will the bird have to fly if the Leaning Tower of Pisa
is 183.27ft tall and leans at an angle of 4°?
