Math Is Fun Forum

BrunoVS

Member

Registered: 2008-02-26

Posts: 1

Graphical Representation of Cosine Rule

Hi,

I am Bruno, math enthousiast from Belgium, Europe.
I guess you all know the Pythagoras theorem for right triangles:
Square (C) = Square (B) + Square (C)

This can be represented graphically in by a right triangle showing that the squaresurface on the larger side is the sum of the square surfaces of the two other sides.
The graphical representation of this Pythagoras law  is very simple and straightforward.

In the case of irregular triangles, this law does not apply.
My question is the following :

Does anyone know, a similar elegant graphical representation, expressing an equation between at least the squaresurfaces of an irregular triangle?

Thanks for your help,

Bruno