The Law of Sines
The Law of Sines (or Sine Rule ) is very useful for solving triangles:
a sin A = b sin B = c sin C
It works for any triangle:
, and are sides. , and are angles.
|
And it says that:
When we divide side a by the sine of angle A it is equal to side b divided by the sine of angle B , and also equal to side c divided by the sine of angle C
Well, let's do the calculations for a triangle I prepared earlier:
a sin A = 8 sin(62.2°) = 8 0.885... = 9.04...
b sin B = 5 sin(33.5°) = 5 0.552... = 9.06...
c sin C = 9 sin(84.3°) = 9 0.995... = 9.04...
The answers are almost the same! (They would be exactly the same if we used perfect accuracy).
So now you can see that:
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Is This Magic?
Not really, look at this general triangle and imagine it is two right-angled triangles sharing the side h :
The sine of an angle is the opposite divided by the hypotenuse, so:
sin(A) = h/b | b sin(A) = h | ||
sin(B) = h/a | a sin(B) = h |
a sin(B) and b sin(A) both equal h , so we get:
a sin(B) = b sin(A)
Which can be rearranged to:
a sin A = b sin B
We can follow similar steps to include c/sin(C)
How Do We Use It?
Let us see an example:
Example: Calculate side "c"
Now we use our algebra skills to rearrange and solve:
Finding an Unknown Angle
In the previous example we found an unknown side ...
... but we can also use the Law of Sines to find an unknown angle .
In this case it is best to turn the fractions upside down ( sin A/a instead of a/sin A , etc):
sin A a = sin B b = sin C c
Example: Calculate angle B
Sometimes there are two answers .
There is one very tricky thing we have to look out for:
Two possible answers.
Imagine we know angle , and sides and . We can swing side to left or right and come up with two possible results (a small triangle and a much wider triangle) Both answers are right! |
This only happens in the " Two Sides and an Angle not between " case, and even then not always, but we have to watch out for it.
Just think "could I swing that side the other way to also make a correct answer?"
Example: Calculate angle R
The first thing to notice is that this triangle has different labels: PQR instead of ABC. But that's OK. We just use P,Q and R instead of A, B and C in The Law of Sines.
But wait! There's another angle that also has a sine equal to 0.9215...
The calculator won't tell you this but sin(112.9°) is also equal to 0.9215...
So, how do we discover the value 112.9°?
Easy ... take 67.1° away from 180°, like this:
180° − 67.1° = 112.9°
So there are two possible answers for R: 67.1° and 112.9° :
Both are possible! Each one has the 39° angle, and sides of 41 and 28.
So, always check to see whether the alternative answer makes sense.
- ... sometimes it will (like above) and there are two solutions
- ... sometimes it won't (like below) and there is one solution
For example this triangle from before.
As you can see, we can try swinging the "5.5" line around, but no other solution makes sense.
So this has only one solution.
Law of Sines & Cosines Worksheets
Related Pages Math Worksheets Free Printable Worksheets
Trigonometry Worksheets
There are six sets of Trigonometry worksheets:
- Sin, Cos, Tan
- Sin & Cos of Complementary Angles
- Find Missing Sides
- Find Missing Angles
- Area of Triangle using Sine
- Law of Sines and Cosines
Law of Sines and Cosines Worksheets
In these free math worksheets, students learn to how to find missing sides and angles using law of sines and cosines.
There are two sets of Law of Sines and Cosines worksheets.
How to use the Law of Sines and Cosines?
Law of Sines The Law of Sines is a trigonometric law that relates the lengths of the sides of any triangle to the sines of its angles. For any triangle with sides of length a, b, and c, and opposite angles A, B, and C, the Law of Sines is expressed as follows:
a/sin(A) = b/sin(B) = c/sin(C)
Note that the Law of Sines is applicable to all types of triangles, not just right triangles.
Law of Cosines The Law of Cosines is another trigonometric law that relates the lengths of the sides of a triangle to the cosine of one of its angles. For any triangle with sides of length a, b, and c, and opposite angles A, B, and C, the Law of Cosines is expressed as follows:
c 2 = a 2 + b 2 - 2ab cos(C)
Click on the following worksheet to get a printable pdf document. Scroll down the page for more Law of Sines and Cosines Worksheets .
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More Law of Sines and Cosines Worksheets
Printable (Answers on the second page.) Law of Sines & Cosines Worksheet #1 Law of Sines & Cosines Worksheet #2
Online Trigonometry (sine, cosine, tangent) Trigonometry (sine, cosine, tangent) Trigonometry (using a calculator) Inverse Trigonometry (using a calculator) Trigonometry (find an unknown side) Trigonometry (find an unknown angle) Using Sine Using Cosine Using Tangent Using Sine, Cosine or Tangent Trigonometry Applications Problems Law of Sines or Sine Rule Law of Sines Law of Cosines or Cosine Rule Law of Cosines
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Law of Sines
To solve the unknown sides and angles of oblique triangles, we will need the Law of Sines or Sine Rule . By the way, an oblique triangle is a type of triangle which does not contain a right angle or a 90-degree angle.
The Law of Sines can be summarized as:
Given that [latex]A[/latex], [latex]B[/latex], and [latex]C[/latex] are the angle measures of a triangle and [latex]a[/latex], [latex]b[/latex], and [latex]c[/latex] are their corresponding side lengths, then for triangle ABC
![the law of sines assignment answers acute triangle ABC with angles A, B, and C and sides, a, b and c](https://www.chilimath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/acute-triangle-abc.png)
we have the relationship,
[latex]\Large{{\sin A} \over a} = {{\sin B} \over b} = {{\sin C} \over c}[/latex]
In other words, the ratio of the sine of an angle in a triangle to its opposite side is the same as the ratios of the sines of the other two angles to their opposite sides. That is, the ratio of the sine of an angle to its opposite side is the same in every triangle.
That is to say, the ratios between all the angles and their opposite side lengths are directly proportional to each other.
But of course, we can also flip over the equation and it would still work!
[latex]\Large{a \over {\sin A}} = {b \over {\sin B}} = {c \over {\sin C}}[/latex]
![the law of sines assignment answers Law of Sines Formula showing triangle ABC as reference. sine of angle A divided by side a is equal to sine of angle B divided by side b is equal to sine of angle C divided by side c](https://www.chilimath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/law-of-sines-or-sine-rule-or-rules-of-sine.png)
In plain words, it means
The sine of angle [latex]\angle A[/latex] divided by side [latex]a[/latex]
is equal to
the sine of angle [latex]\angle B[/latex] divided by side [latex]b[/latex]
the sine of angle [latex]\angle C[/latex] divided by side [latex]c[/latex]
When solving problems using the Law of Sines, there are usually three (3) cases that we are going to deal with.
But the general idea is that if any two angles and one side of an oblique triangle are given then it can easily be solved by the Law of Sines.
Case 1: Solving an SAA (Side-Angle-Angle) Triangle
In an SAA Triangle, we are given two angles of a triangle and a side opposite to one of the angles ( non-included side ). This case in particular is the easy type because we are given one of the three ratios – that is, one angle and an opposite side.
Case 2: Solving an ASA (Angle-Side-Angle) Triangle
In an ASA Triangle, we are given two angles of a triangle and an included side . In this case, we don’t have a ratio of an angle and an opposite side just yet. But we can find the third angle with an opposite side by using the fact that the sum of all the angles of a triangle is [latex]{180^\circ }[/latex].
Case 3: Solving an SSA (Side-Side-Angle) Triangle
In a SSA Triangle, we are given two sides of a triangle and an angle that is opposite to one of the sides. This case is known as the ambiguous case because there may be no triangle at all, one triangle or two triangles .
Examples of Solving Law of Sines Problems
Part I: SAA (Side-Angle-Angle) Triangle (non-included side)
Example 1: In [latex]\triangle[/latex] [latex]ABC[/latex], [latex]A=60^\circ[/latex], [latex]C=82^\circ[/latex], and [latex]a=24[/latex]. Solve the triangle.
The first thing we have to do is to draw a rough sketch of the triangle. The drawing does not need to be perfect but just enough for us to see the big picture.
Here’s triangle [latex]ABC[/latex] with the measurements provided to us. Make sure that you place the measure of side [latex]a[/latex] opposite angle [latex]A[/latex]. That is, side length [latex]24[/latex] is opposite [latex]60^\circ[/latex].
![the law of sines assignment answers acute triangle abc with the following measures angle A equals 60 degrees, side a equals 24 and angle C equals 82 degrees](https://www.chilimath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/law-of-sines-example-1.png)
The problem is asking us to solve the triangle . What it means is that we are going to find the values or measurements of the remaining angle and sides. In this case, we want to find the measure of angle [latex]B[/latex] and side lengths [latex]b[/latex] and [latex]c[/latex].
Since we are given two angles and a side (non-included), this is called the SAA (Side-Angle-Angle) case. This is in fact the easiest case because we are given with one of the three ratios. Notice, [latex]\angle A[/latex] and its opposite side [latex]a[/latex] represent a ratio.
Having said all that, we are now ready to solve the triangle in question.
Let’s begin by determining angle [latex]\angle B[/latex]. We don’t need to use the Law of Sines here. We will simply use the fact that the sum of the internal angles of a triangle is always [latex]180^\circ[/latex]. Since we know the measures of angle [latex]\angle A[/latex] and angle [latex]\angle C[/latex], we can set up the equation to solve for angle [latex]\angle B[/latex] as:
[latex]\angle A + {\color{red}\angle B} + \angle C = 180^\circ[/latex]
Isolating [latex]\angle B[/latex] on the left side of the equation by subtracting both sides of the equation by [latex]\angle A[/latex] and [latex]\angle C[/latex], we obtain
[latex]{\color{red}\angle B} = 180^\circ – \angle A – \angle C[/latex]
That means, the measure of [latex]\angle B[/latex] is
[latex]{\color{red}\angle B} = 180^\circ – 60^\circ – 82^\circ = 38^\circ[/latex]
Next, we will find side [latex]c[/latex]. The key is to utilize the known ratio which in this case is for side [latex]a[/latex] and angle [latex]A[/latex], [latex]\large {a \over {\sin A}}[/latex]. Because we are solving for side [latex]c[/latex] that means we must use angle [latex]C[/latex]. So this is how the equation would look like.
![the law of sines assignment answers side c divided by sine of angle C is equal to side a divided by sine of angle A](https://www.chilimath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/example-1-part-1.png)
Since [latex]C=82^\circ[/latex], [latex]a=24[/latex], and [latex]A=60^\circ[/latex], here’s the equation that we will use to solve for side [latex]c[/latex].
![the law of sines assignment answers side c is approximately equal to 27.4](https://www.chilimath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/law-of-sines-example-1-solution-1.png)
Finally, we will solve for side [latex]b[/latex]. Remember that we calculated the measure of angle [latex]\angle B[/latex] above. Together with the known ratio of side [latex]a[/latex] and angle [latex]\angle A[/latex], we can set up an equation to solve for side [latex]b[/latex].
![the law of sines assignment answers side b divided by sine of angle B is equal to side a divided by sine of angle A](https://www.chilimath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/law-of-sines-example-1-part-2-side-b.png)
Since [latex]B=38^\circ[/latex], [latex]a=24[/latex], and [latex]A=60^\circ[/latex], here’s the equation that we will use to solve for side [latex]b[/latex].
![the law of sines assignment answers side b is approximately equal to 17.1](https://www.chilimath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/law-of-sines-example-1-solution-2a.png)
Therefore, the final solution is [latex]B=38^\circ[/latex], [latex]b \approx 17.1[/latex], and [latex]c \approx 27.4[/latex].
Example 2: In [latex]\triangle[/latex] [latex]ABC[/latex], [latex]A=33^\circ[/latex], [latex]B=41^\circ[/latex], and [latex]b=53[/latex]. Solve the triangle.
Let’s do an example similar to example #1. This is also an SAA case because we are given two angles and a non-included side . Remember, this is the easiest case because a ratio is immediately provided to us that means we can set up an equation to solve the triangle right off the bat.
Below is the rough sketch of the triangle in question. Notice angle [latex]\angle B[/latex] with a measure of [latex]41^\circ[/latex] is opposite side [latex]b[/latex] with side length of [latex]53[/latex]. Since we don’t know the measures of sides [latex]a[/latex] and [latex]c[/latex], and angle [latex]\angle C[/latex], we just label them accordingly.
![the law of sines assignment answers triangle ABC with the following measures: angle B is 41 degrees, side b is 53, and angle A is 33 degrees](https://www.chilimath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/triangle-abc-saa-example-2.png)
Because the measures of angle [latex]\angle B[/latex] and side [latex]b[/latex] are given, they become the known ratio in the equation, that is, [latex]\large {b \over {\sin B}}[/latex] or [latex]\large {{\sin B}\over b}[/latex]. We will use this ratio to solve the other sides namely sides [latex]a[/latex] and [latex]c[/latex].
But before we even find the sides, the most obvious and logical step is to find the third angle of the triangle because we already know the other two.
To solve for angle [latex]\angle C[/latex], we simply subtract the measures of [latex]\angle A[/latex] and [latex]\angle B[/latex] from [latex]180^\circ[/latex].
![the law of sines assignment answers angle C is equal to 106 degrees](https://www.chilimath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/law-of-sines-example-2-solution-1.png)
Now, let’s calculate side [latex]a[/latex].
![the law of sines assignment answers side a is approximately equal to 44](https://www.chilimath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/law-of-sines-example-2-solution-2.png)
Lastly, we compute side [latex]c[/latex].
![the law of sines assignment answers side c is approximately equal to 77.7](https://www.chilimath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/law-of-sines-example-2-solution-3.png)
Therefore, the final solution is [latex]C=106^\circ[/latex], [latex]c \approx 77.7[/latex], and [latex]a \approx 44.0[/latex].
Part II: ASA (Angle-Side-Angle) Triangle (with included side)
Example 3: In [latex]\triangle[/latex] [latex]ABC[/latex], [latex]A=74^\circ[/latex], [latex]B=50^\circ[/latex], and [latex]c=75[/latex]. Solve the triangle.
The very first thing we should do is to draw a representation of the given triangle. Again, it doesn’t have to be perfect but just enough to see what’s going on.
![the law of sines assignment answers in triangle ABC, angle A has measure of 74 degrees, angle B has measure of 50 degrees, and side c is 75](https://www.chilimath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/triangle-abc-angle-side-angle-example-3.png)
Notice that upon drawing the triangle, we see that side [latex]c[/latex] is between angles [latex]\angle A[/latex] and [latex]\angle B[/latex]. This is indeed a case of ASA ( Angle-Side-Angle) because we have an included side.
Let’s study the illustration further. Observe that the sides opposite angles [latex]\angle A[/latex] and [latex]\angle B[/latex] are not known which means they are not prime candidates for usable ratios for the Sine Rule equations.
What else? The measure of side [latex]c[/latex] is known but angle [latex]\angle C[/latex] is not. However, the value of angle [latex]\angle C[/latex] can easily be found! Since the measures of the other two angles of the triangle are known, namely angles [latex]\angle A[/latex] and [latex]\angle B[/latex], we can use the idea that the sum of the internal angles of a triangle is [latex]{180^\circ }[/latex] and therefore the measure of angle [latex]\angle C[/latex] is easily calculated. After finding [latex]\angle C[/latex] and together with side [latex]c[/latex], we will have a known ratio that we can use to find the other sides [latex]a[/latex] and [latex]b[/latex].
Let’s find the measure of angle [latex]\angle C[/latex].
![the law of sines assignment answers angle C is equal to 56 degrees](https://www.chilimath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/law-of-sines-example-3-measure-of-angle-C.png)
It means our known ratio which we can use in the equation to solve the other two sides is
![the law of sines assignment answers the known ration is c/sin C = 75/sin 56](https://www.chilimath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/law-of-sines-example-3-known-ratio.png)
Because we have a known ratio, we are ready to start solving the measures of the remaining sides. Let’s start with side [latex]a[/latex].
To solve for side side [latex]a[/latex]:
![the law of sines assignment answers side a divided by sine A equals side c divided by sine C](https://www.chilimath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/law-of-sines-example-3-step-1.png)
Substitute the value of the known ratio [latex]\large {{75} \over {\sin {{56}^\circ }}}[/latex] and angle [latex]A[/latex] which equals [latex]{74^\circ }[/latex] into the Sine Laws’ equation to solve for side [latex]a[/latex].
![the law of sines assignment answers side a is about 87.0](https://www.chilimath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/law-of-sines-example-3-step-2.png)
To solve for side [latex]b[/latex]:
![the law of sines assignment answers b over sin B = c over sin C](https://www.chilimath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/law-of-sines-example-3-step-4.png)
In the same manner, plug in the value of the known ratio [latex]\large {{75} \over {\sin {{56}^\circ }}}[/latex] and angle [latex]B[/latex] which equals [latex]{50^\circ }[/latex] into the Sine Laws’ equation to solve for side [latex]b[/latex].
![the law of sines assignment answers side b is about 69.3](https://www.chilimath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/law-of-sines-example-3-step-3.png)
Therefore, the final solution is [latex]C=56^\circ[/latex], [latex]a \approx 87.0[/latex], and [latex]b \approx 69.3[/latex].
Example 4: In [latex]\triangle[/latex] [latex]ABC[/latex], [latex]B=125^\circ[/latex], [latex]C=25^\circ[/latex], and [latex]a=102[/latex]. Solve the triangle.
![the law of sines assignment answers in triangle ABC, angle B is 125 degrees, angle C is 25 degrees and side a is 102](https://www.chilimath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/triangle-abc-angle-side-angle-asa-example-4.png)
Let’s do another example on ASA ( Angle-Side-Angle) triangle for more practice! The first step is to find the missing third angle of the triangle. Since the internal angles of a triangle add up to [latex]180^\circ[/latex], we can set up the equation below to solve for angle [latex]\angle A[/latex].
Find angle [latex]\angle A[/latex]:
Set the sum of angles [latex]\angle A[/latex], [latex]\angle B[/latex], and [latex]\angle C[/latex] equal to [latex]180^\circ[/latex]. Then subtract both sides of the equation with the measures of angles [latex]\angle B[/latex] and [latex]\angle C[/latex] to get the value of angle [latex]\angle A[/latex].
![the law of sines assignment answers angle A is equal to 30 degrees](https://www.chilimath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/law-of-sines-example-4-step-1.png)
Now, we have a known ratio to use in the Sine Rule equation which is angle [latex]\angle A[/latex] and side [latex]a[/latex] which is given to us.
![the law of sines assignment answers a over sin A = 102 over sin 30](https://www.chilimath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/law-of-sines-example-4-known-ratio-side-a-and-angle-A.png)
By having a known ratio, we are ready to solve for the other two sides of the triangle namely sides [latex]b[/latex] and [latex]c[/latex].
![the law of sines assignment answers side b is about 167.1](https://www.chilimath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/law-of-sines-example-4-solution-for-side-b.png)
Finally, let’s solve for side [latex]c[/latex]:
![the law of sines assignment answers side c is about 86.2](https://www.chilimath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/law-of-sines-example-4-solution-for-side-c.png)
Therefore, the final solution is [latex]A=30^\circ[/latex], [latex]b \approx 167.1[/latex], and [latex]c \approx 86.2[/latex].
Part III: SSA (Side-Side-Angle) Triangle (angle opposite to one of the sides)
Note that in our previous examples, we are given two angles and one side which determines a unique triangle. That’s why it is easier to solve. But if we are given two sides and an angle, it’s a very different story because three (3) possible scenarios can happen. For this reason, Side-Side-Angle (SSA) is called the Ambiguous case.
Three Possible Scenarios
1) no triangle exists
2) one triangle exists
3) two distinct/different triangle exist
Case 1: SSA Ambiguous Case – No Triangle
If angle [latex]A[/latex] is acute and side [latex]a[/latex] is less than the height of the triangle, that is, [latex]a < h[/latex], then no triangle exists.
![the law of sines assignment answers ssa ambiguous case no triangle exists angle A is acute and a less than h](https://www.chilimath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/side-side-angle-ambiguous-case-no-triangle-exists-part-1.png)
If angle [latex]A[/latex] is obtuse and side [latex]a[/latex] is less than or equal to side [latex]b[/latex], that is, [latex]a \le b[/latex], then no triangle exists.
![the law of sines assignment answers ssa ambiguous case no triangle exists angle A is obtuse and a less than b](https://www.chilimath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/side-side-angle-ambiguous-case-no-triangle-exists-part-2.png)
Let’s use this knowledge in the following examples.
Example 5: Solve triangle [latex]\triangle[/latex] [latex]ABC[/latex] if [latex]A=73^\circ[/latex], [latex]a=41[/latex], and [latex]b=52[/latex].
It’s a good practice to always draw a rough sketch of the triangle in question so that we know what we are dealing with. It doesn’t need to be perfect. The goal is to see the big picture.
![the law of sines assignment answers in triangle ABC, angle A is 73 degrees, side a is 41 and side b is 52](https://www.chilimath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/law-of-sines-example-5-step-1.png)
This is obviously a case of SSA triangle because we are given two sides and a non-included angle . This means that we are dealing with an ambiguous case which means we need to be a bit careful.
Since angle [latex]A[/latex] is an acute angle, we want to compare the height of the triangle and the length of side [latex]a[/latex]. If side [latex]a[/latex] is less than the height, [latex]a<h[/latex], it implies that side [latex]a[/latex] is not long enough to form a triangle thus no triangle exists.
Let’s redraw the figure with the height included for emphasis.
![the law of sines assignment answers height of triangle ABC is h=bsinA](https://www.chilimath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/law-of-sines-example-5-step-2.png)
Remember, to find the height, [latex]h[/latex], we need the sine function because it is the ratio of the opposite side and the hypotenuse.
![the law of sines assignment answers height is approximately equal to 49.7](https://www.chilimath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/law-of-sines-example-5-step-3.png)
As you can see, side [latex]a[/latex] is less than the height, that is, [latex]41 < 49.7 \to a < h[/latex], which means that side [latex]a[/latex] is not long enough to form a triangle. Therefore, there exists no triangle! It follows that there is no solution to this triangle.
We can also check if our conclusion is correct. Let’s solve this problem as usual and see what we get. Our known ratio is [latex]\large{{\sin {{73}^\circ }} \over {41}}[/latex]. Side [latex]b[/latex] is given which means we can solve for angle [latex]\angle B[/latex] using the Law of Sines.
![the law of sines assignment answers sine of angle B is approximately equal to 1.21](https://www.chilimath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/law-of-sines-example-5-step-4.png)
Because the value of sine can’t exceed [latex]1[/latex], it means there is no angle [latex]\angle B[/latex] such that [latex]\sin B \approx 1.21[/latex]. Therefore, our previous conclusion that no triangle exists is true!
Example 6: Solve triangle [latex]\triangle[/latex] [latex]ABC[/latex] if [latex]A=110^\circ[/latex], [latex]a=58[/latex], and [latex]b=67[/latex].
Let’s have a rough sketch of the triangle.
![the law of sines assignment answers in triangle ABC, angle A is 110 degrees, side a is 58, and side b is 67](https://www.chilimath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/law-of-sines-example-6.png)
This is an SSA triangle and since angle [latex]A[/latex] is obtuse; and side [latex]a[/latex], [latex]58[/latex], is shorter than side [latex]b[/latex], [latex]67[/latex], that is, [latex]a<b[/latex], that means no triangle exists!
If we want to solve this using the Law of Sines, this is what we are going to get.
![the law of sines assignment answers sine of angle B is approximately equal to 1.09](https://www.chilimath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/law-of-sines-example-6-step-1a.png)
Given the fact that [latex]\left| {\sin B} \right| \le 1[/latex], it is obvious that we reached an invalid answer because we can’t allow the sine of an angle to be greater than [latex]1[/latex]. This means we can’t form a triangle with sides [latex]a=58[/latex], [latex]b=67[/latex], and angle [latex]\angle A =110^\circ[/latex].
Case 2: SSA Ambiguous Case – One Triangle
Given angle [latex]A[/latex] is acute, if side [latex]a[/latex] is greater than the height and side [latex]a[/latex] is greater than side [latex]b[/latex], then there is one triangle formed.
![the law of sines assignment answers ssa ambiguous case one triangle exists angle A is acute and a greater than h and a greater than b](https://www.chilimath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/side-side-angle-ambiguous-case-one-triangle-exists.png)
Given angle [latex]A[/latex] is obtuse, if side [latex]a[/latex] is greater than side [latex]b[/latex], then there is one triangle formed.
![the law of sines assignment answers ssa ambiguous case one triangle exists angle A is obtuse, side a is greater than side b](https://www.chilimath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/side-side-angle-ambiguous-case-one-triangle-exists-another-case.png)
Example 7: Solve triangle [latex]\triangle[/latex] [latex]ABC[/latex] if [latex]A=70^\circ[/latex], [latex]a=47[/latex], and [latex]b=26[/latex].
![the law of sines assignment answers in triangle ABC, angle A is 70 degrees, side a is 47 and side b is 26](https://www.chilimath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/law-of-sines-example-7.png)
We are given two sides and a non-included angle which means we have an ambiguous case. The first thing that we can do is to compare the lengths of side [latex]a[/latex] and the height, [latex]h[/latex], given that angle [latex]A[/latex] is acute.
The height is calculated by the formula [latex]h = b\sin A[/latex] so we have
[latex]h = b\sin A[/latex] [latex]\\[/latex]
[latex]h = 26 \times \sin {70^\circ }[/latex] [latex]\\[/latex]
[latex]h \approx 24.4[/latex]
Since side [latex]a[/latex], [latex]47[/latex], is longer than the height, [latex]24.4[/latex], it means that at least one triangle is formed thus there is a solution to this triangle. So the next logical step is to figure out if there is one triangle or two triangles formed. This can easily be determined by comparing the lengths of side [latex]a[/latex] and side [latex]b[/latex].
If side [latex]a[/latex] is greater than side [latex]b[/latex], then we have one triangle. However, if side [latex]a[/latex] is less than side [latex]b[/latex] then we have two triangles.
Back to the problem, it is clear that side [latex]a[/latex] is greater than side [latex]b[/latex], that is, [latex]47 > 26[/latex]. Therefore, we have a case here where one triangle is formed. And so there’s no further steps needed to solve for the other triangle.
Now, let’s solve the triangle by calculating angle [latex]B[/latex], angle [latex]C[/latex], and side [latex]c[/latex].
To solve for angle [latex]B[/latex]:
![the law of sines assignment answers angle B is approximately equal to 31 degrees](https://www.chilimath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/law-of-sines-example-7-part-2a.png)
To solve for angle [latex]C[/latex]:
Use the fact that sum of the measures of a triangle’s internal angles is equal to 180 degrees .
[latex]\angle A + \angle B + \angle C = {180^\circ }[/latex] [latex]\\[/latex]
[latex]\angle C = {180^\circ } – \angle A – \angle B[/latex] [latex]\\[/latex]
[latex]\angle C \approx {180^\circ } – {70^\circ } – {31^\circ }[/latex] [latex]\\[/latex]
[latex]\angle C \approx {79^\circ }[/latex]
To solve for side [latex]c[/latex]:
Now that we found angle [latex]C[/latex], we can now compute for side [latex]c[/latex] using the Law of Sines.
![the law of sines assignment answers side c is approximately equal to 49.1](https://www.chilimath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/law-of-sines-example-7-part-3b.png)
Therefore, the final solution is [latex]B \approx {31^\circ }[/latex], [latex]C \approx {79^\circ }[/latex], and [latex]c = 49.1[/latex].
Case 3: SSA Ambiguous Case – Two Triangles
Given angle [latex]A[/latex] is acute, if side [latex]a[/latex] is greater than the height but less than side [latex]b[/latex], then there are two triangles formed.
![the law of sines assignment answers ssa ambiguous case two triangle exists angle A is acute, side a is greater than the height but less than side b](https://www.chilimath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/side-side-angle-ambiguous-case-two-triangle-exist.png)
Example 8: Solve triangle [latex]\triangle[/latex] [latex]ABC[/latex] if [latex]A=35^\circ[/latex], [latex]a=37[/latex], and [latex]b=55[/latex].
![the law of sines assignment answers in triangle ABC, angle A is 35 degrees, side a is 37, and side b is 55](https://www.chilimath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/law-of-sines-example-8b.png)
Given that angle [latex]A[/latex] is acute, the very first thing we need to verify is if side [latex]a[/latex] is longer than the height, [latex]h[/latex], otherwise no triangle exists. Let’s calculate the height.
[latex]h = 55 \times \sin {35^\circ }[/latex] [latex]\\[/latex]
[latex]h \approx 31.5[/latex]
Since side [latex]a>h[/latex], that is, [latex]37>31.5[/latex], then it guarantees us that at least one triangle is formed!
The next thing to check is to compare side sides [latex]a[/latex] and [latex]b[/latex].
If [latex]a>b[/latex], then there is one triangle. But, if [latex]a<b[/latex], then there are two triangles.
Since side [latex]a[/latex] is less than side [latex]b[/latex], that is, [latex]a < b \to 37 < 55[/latex], that means there are two triangles in this case.
Below are the two triangles (1) and (2) that are generated.
![the law of sines assignment answers showing the two triangles](https://www.chilimath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/law-of-sines-example-8-two-triangles.png)
Solving Triangle 1
![the law of sines assignment answers in triangle ABC, angle A is 35 degrees, side a is 37 and side b is 55](https://www.chilimath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/law-of-sines-example-8-triangle-1.png)
The known ratio here is angle [latex]A[/latex] and side [latex]a[/latex] which is [latex]\Large{{\sin A} \over a}[/latex] or [latex]\Large{a \over {\sin A}}[/latex]. Since side [latex]b[/latex] is given, we should be able to calculate angle [latex]{B_1}[/latex].
To solve for angle [latex]B_1[/latex]:
![the law of sines assignment answers angle B1 is approximately equal to 58 degrees](https://www.chilimath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/law-of-sines-example-8-triangle-1-part-1.png)
To solve for angle [latex]C_1[/latex]:
![the law of sines assignment answers angle C1 is approximately equal to 87 degrees](https://www.chilimath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/law-of-sines-example-8-triangle-2-part-1.png)
To solve for side [latex]c_1[/latex]:
![the law of sines assignment answers side c1 is approximately equal to 64.4](https://www.chilimath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/law-of-sines-example-8-triangle-1-part-3.png)
Therefore, the final solution for triangle 1 is [latex]{B_1} \approx {58^\circ }[/latex], [latex]{C_1} \approx {87^\circ }[/latex], and [latex]{c_1} \approx 64.4[/latex].
Now, we will solve triangle 2 .
![the law of sines assignment answers triangle 2 has angle B2 which is the supplement of B1](https://www.chilimath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/law-of-sines-example-8-triangle-2.png)
To solve for angle [latex]B_2[/latex]:
To find angle [latex]B_2[/latex], we simply need to get the supplement of angle [latex]B_1[/latex].
[latex]{B_2} = {180^\circ } – {B_1}[/latex] [latex]\\[/latex]
[latex]{B_2} \approx {180^\circ } – {58^\circ }[/latex] [latex]\\[/latex]
[latex]{B_2} \approx {122^\circ }[/latex]
To find angle [latex]{C_2}[/latex]:
We know that the sum of the internal angles of a triangle is 180 degrees.
[latex]A + {B_2} + {C_2} = {180^\circ }[/latex]
[latex]{C_2} = {180^\circ } – A – {B_2}[/latex]
[latex]{C_2} \approx {180^\circ } – {35^\circ } – {122^\circ }[/latex]
[latex]{C_2} \approx {23^\circ }[/latex]
To find side [latex]{c_2}[/latex]:
![the law of sines assignment answers side c2 is approximately equal to 25.2](https://www.chilimath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/law-of-sines-example-8-triangle-2-part-3.png)
Therefore, the final solution for triangle 2 is [latex]{B_2} \approx {122^\circ }[/latex], [latex]{C_2} \approx {23^\circ }[/latex], and [latex]{c_2} \approx 25.2[/latex].
![the law of sines assignment answers MATH Worksheets 4 Kids](https://www.mathworksheets4kids.com/images/main_banner.jpg)
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The Law of Sines Worksheets
Apply the law of sines to establish a relationship between the sides and angles of a triangle. This set of trigonometry worksheets covers a multitude of topics on applying the law of sines like finding the missing side or unknown angle, missing sides and angles, find the area of SAS triangle and so on. The pdf worksheets help high school students to develop and deepen the conceptual understanding of the law of sines to solve oblique triangles. Get access to some of these worksheets for free!
![the law of sines assignment answers Find the Missing Side](https://www.mathworksheets4kids.com/trigonometry/law-of-sines/customary/missing-sides-preview.png)
Find the Missing Side
Use the law of sines to determine the missing side of each triangle in this printable practice set wherein two angles and a side of the triangle are given.
- Download the set
![the law of sines assignment answers Find the Unknown Angle](https://www.mathworksheets4kids.com/trigonometry/law-of-sines/customary/unknown-angles-preview.png)
Find the Unknown Angle
Plug in the known values of sides and the opposite angle in the law of sine formula to determine the measure of the unknown angle to the nearest tenth.
![the law of sines assignment answers Missing Sides and Angles](https://www.mathworksheets4kids.com/trigonometry/law-of-sines/customary/missing-sides-angles-preview.png)
Missing Sides and Angles
This set of well-researched high school worksheets features eighteen oblique triangles. Apply the law of sines to compute the missing side or the unknown angle and validate your responses with the corresponding answer key.
![the law of sines assignment answers Solving Triangles - Type 1](https://www.mathworksheets4kids.com/trigonometry/law-of-sines/customary/solve-type1-preview.png)
Solving Triangles - Type 1
Each worksheet contains four triangles. Incorporate the sine rule to solve each triangle using the measurements provided.
![the law of sines assignment answers Solving Triangles - Type 2](https://www.mathworksheets4kids.com/trigonometry/law-of-sines/customary/solve-type2-preview.png)
Solving Triangles - Type 2
Type 2 worksheets feature exercises in the word format. Substitute the known values of the triangle in the law of sines and solve each triangle. Gain effective practice on the law of sines with these comprehensive printable worksheets.
![the law of sines assignment answers An Ambiguous Case in a Triangle](https://www.mathworksheets4kids.com/trigonometry/law-of-sines/customary/possible-triangles-preview.png)
An Ambiguous Case in a Triangle
An ambiguous case may arise when two sides and the included angle are given. It is a special circumstance where more than one solution is possible. Calculate b sin A and also refer the chart to find the possible number of triangles in an ambiguous case.
![the law of sines assignment answers Find the Area of a Triangle (SAS Formula)](https://www.mathworksheets4kids.com/trigonometry/law-of-sines/customary/area-triangle-preview.png)
Find the Area of a Triangle (SAS Formula)
Two sides and the included angle are presented in these pdf worksheets. Compute the area using the side-angle-side formula.
Related Worksheets
» Solving Trigonometric Equations
» General Solutions of Trigonometric Equations
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Ambiguous Case - Law of Sines Worksheet
Students will practice solve problems involving the ambiguous case of the law of sines to solve a variety of problems including word problems.
Example Questions
![the law of sines assignment answers Example problem of law of sines ambiguous case](https://www.mathwarehouse.com/sheets/trigonometry/advanced/law-of-sines-and-cosines/images/ambiguous-case-law-of-sines2.jpg)
A triangle has two sides with lengths of 20 and 15. The measure of the angle opposite the side with a length of 15 is 35°. Find all the possible measures of the angle opposite the side with a length of 20 to the nearest degree.
![the law of sines assignment answers Example challenge problem from worksheet](https://www.mathwarehouse.com/sheets/trigonometry/advanced/law-of-sines-and-cosines/images/ambiguous-case-law-of-sines3.jpg)
Visual Aids
![the law of sines assignment answers Picture of the ambiguous case of the law of sines](https://www.mathwarehouse.com/sheets/trigonometry/advanced/law-of-sines-and-cosines/images/ambiguous-case-law-of-sines1.jpg)
Other Details
This is a 5 part worksheet:
- Part I Model Problems
- Part II Practice Problems (1-6)
- Part II Practice (harder) & Word Problems (7 - 18)
- Part IV Challenge Problems
- Part V Answer Key
- Pictures of Law of Sines (triangles, formula and more..)
- Law of Sines and Cosines Worksheets
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COMMENTS
Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like Which expression gives the exact value of t?, What is the measure of angle E? m∠E = __° What is the length of EF rounded to the nearest hundredth? EF ≈ ____, Ivan began to prove the law of sines using the diagram and equations below. sin(A) = h/b, so b sin(A) = h. sin(B) = h/a, so a sin(B) = h.
31. Can the law of sines be used to solve the triangle shown? Explain. No, the law of sines cannot be used to solve the triangle. The triangle shows the measures of two sides and an included angle. To use the law of sines, you need to know the measure of an angle and its opposite side. Pre Calc - Edge.
What is the length of EF rounded to the nearest hundredth?EF ≈. The measure of angle E is 55. The length of EF is 12.49. Ivan began to prove the law of sines using the diagram and equations below. sin (A) = h/b, so b sin (A) = h. sin (B) = h/a, so a sin (B) = h. Therefore, b sin (A) = a sin (B). Which equation is equivalent to the equation b ...
The Law of Sines Date_____ Period____ Find each measurement indicated. Round your answers to the nearest tenth. 1) Find AC 24 A C B 118° 22° 14 2) Find AB 7 C A B 53° 44° 8 3) Find BC 27 C B A 51° 39° 17 4) Find AB 9 B C A 101° 63° 29.1 5) Find BC 16 A B C 93° 58° 33 6) Find m∠C 21 26 16.1 A C B 88° 53.8° 7) Find m∠C 24 20 C 29 ...
The Law of Sines (or Sine Rule) is very useful for solving triangles: asin A = bsin B = csin C. It works for any triangle: a, b and c are sides. A, B and C are angles. (Side a faces angle A, side b faces angle B and side c faces angle C). And it says that: When we divide side a by the sine of angle A it is equal to side b divided by the sine of ...
Review the law of sines and the law of cosines, and use them to solve problems with any triangle. ... a = 5.6, and c = 3.9." I solved for height and see that two solutions exist, and the answer key in my textbook agrees, but I can't figure out how to get either. From a set of questions that's only supposed to be on sine law.
Plus each one comes with an answer key. Law of Sines and Cosines Worksheet ( This sheet is a summative worksheet that focuses on deciding when to use the law of sines or cosines as well as on using both formulas to solve for a single triangle's side or angle) Law of Sines. Ambiguous Case of the Law of Sines. Law Of Cosines.
Law of Cosines. The Law of Cosines is another trigonometric law that relates the lengths of the sides of a triangle to the cosine of one of its angles. For any triangle with sides of length a, b, and c, and opposite angles A, B, and C, the Law of Cosines is expressed as follows: c 2 = a 2 + b 2 - 2ab cos (C)
Students will practice applying the law of sines to calculate side lengths and angle measurements. This worksheet includes word problems as well as challenging bonus problems. This worksheet includes word problems as well as challenging bonus problems.
Law of Sines Corrective Assignment State the number of possible triangles that can be formed using the given measurements. 1) ... Answers to Law of Sines Corrective Assignment 1) None 2) One triangle 3) One triangle 4) Two triangles 5) m C 40.6°, m A 74.4°,
Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like Find the length of BC. Round answer to the nearest hundredth, Find the length of of AB. Round answer to the length to the nearest hundredth, Find the number of distinct triangles with the measurements a=8, b=14, A=30deg and more.
When solving problems using the Law of Sines, there are usually three (3) cases that we are going to deal with. But the general idea is that if any two angles and one side of an oblique triangle are given then it can easily be solved by the Law of Sines.. Case 1: Solving an SAA (Side-Angle-Angle) Triangle In an SAA Triangle, we are given two angles of a triangle and a side opposite to one of ...
Plus each one comes with an answer key. Law of Sines and Cosines Worksheet. (This sheet is a summative worksheet that focuses on deciding when to use the law of sines or cosines as well as on using both formulas to solve for a single triangle's side or angle) Law of Sines. Ambiguous Case of the Law of Sines. Law Of Cosines.
Section 9.7 Law of Sines and Law of Cosines 509 Using the Law of Sines (SSA Case) Solve the triangle. Round decimal answers to the nearest tenth. SOLUTION Use the Law of Sines to fi nd m∠B. sin B — b Law of Sines= sin A — a sin B — 11 = sin 115° — 20 Substitute. sin B = 11 sin 115° — 20 Multiply each side by 11. m∠B ≈ 29.9 ...
Apply the law of sines to establish a relationship between the sides and angles of a triangle. This set of trigonometry worksheets covers a multitude of topics on applying the law of sines like finding the missing side or unknown angle, missing sides and angles, find the area of SAS triangle and so on. The pdf worksheets help high school ...
There are six different scenarios related to the ambiguous case of the Law of sines: three result in one triangle, one results in two triangles and two result in no triangle. We'll look at three examples: one for one triangle, one for two triangles and one for no triangles. Example 4.2.1. Solve the triangle if: ∠A = 112 ∘, a = 45, b = 24.
Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like Law of sines: In ΔABC, c = 5.4, a = 3.3, and . What are the possible approximate lengths of b? Use the law of sines to find the answer. 2.0 units and 4.6 units 2.1 units and 8.7 units 2.3 units and 7.8 units 2.6 units and 6.6 units, Law of sines: sin (a)/a = sin (b)/b = sin (c)/c ...
6.1 Law of Sines Assignment on Cengage 5:50 pm hmwk law of sines math 1310, section 19941, fall 2022 webassign my notes details previous answers ask your. ... Use the Law of Sines in ΔABC to nd c. (Round your answer to the nearest whole number.) Step 4 Therefore the distance from the gazebo to the dock, rounded to the nearest meter, is equal ...
Quiz yourself with questions and answers for Law of Sines Assignment and Quiz, so you can be ready for test day. ... Use the law of sines to find the answer. Don't know? 6 of 19. Term. How many distinct triangles can be formed for which m∠E = 64°, g = 9, and e = 10? How many distinct triangles can be formed for which m∠J = 129°, k = 8 ...
Module 10 Law of Sines & Cosines Assignment. You have been learning about the Law of Sines and the Law of Cosines. These two important laws allow you to solve for the unknown side lengths and angle measures in non-right triangles. Law of Sines Law of Cosines 𝒂𝒂 𝒔𝒔𝒔𝒔𝒔𝒔 𝑨𝑨 = 𝒃𝒃 𝒔𝒔𝒔𝒔𝒔𝒔 𝑩𝑩 ...
Students will practice solve problems involving the ambiguous case of the law of sines to solve a variety of problems including word problems. Example Questions A triangle has two sides with lengths of 20 and 15.
Unformatted text preview: Apply the law of sines substitute given values so a = 7.1 units then for side b Apply the law of sines substitute given values so b = 7.1 units therefore triangle ABC is an icoceles triangle A surveyor is trying to find the length of a lake. He finds a baseline distance AB of 125 m. Angle A is measured to be 41.6° and angle B is measured at 124.3°.
Heron's Formula. A=sqrt (s (s-a) (s-b) (s-c)) where s = (a+b+c)/2. Oblique Triangle. a triangle that has no right angle. If you are given three sides of a triangle you would use Law of _ to find the three angles of that triangle. Cosines. We have an expert-written solution to this problem! The Law of Sines has two possible solutions in what ...