For any Δ ABC show that - c (a cos B – b cos A) = a2 – b2

Note: In any ΔABC we define ‘a’ as length of side opposite to A , ‘b’ as length of side opposite to B and ‘c’ as length of side opposite to C .



Key point to solve the problem:


Idea of cosine formula in ΔABC


Cos A =


Cos B =


Cos C =


As we have to prove:


c (a cos B – b cos A) = a2 – b2


As LHS contain ca cos B and cb cos A which can be obtained from cosine formulae.


From cosine formula we have:


Cos A =


bc cos A = …..eqn 1


And Cos B =


ac cos B = ……eqn 2


Subtracting eqn 1 from eqn 2:


ac cos B - bc cos A =


ac cos B - bc cos A =


c (a cos B – b cos A ) = a2 b2proved


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