Solving a Triangle
We can use the following concepts appropriately to figure out the sides and angles of a triangle.
| 1. Sum of Angles | 2. Law of Sines | 3. Law of Cosines |
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The three angles within a triangle always total up to 180 degrees (or π radians). Using this, when given 2 angles, we can easily figure out the remaining angle. |
Law of Sines shows that the ratio between an angle and its opposite side is always equal within a triangle. This equation can be modified to calculate the remaining angles and sides. |
Law of Cosines allows the calculation of a side when given the other two sides and its opposite angle. This equation can also be modified to calculate the remaining angles and sides. |
Calculating the Area
We can use the following formulas to easily calculate the area of a triangle.
| 1. Heron's Area Formula | 2. Oblique Triangle Formula |
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| Heron's Area Formula can calculate the area when the three sides of a triangle are given. | Oblique Triangle Formula can calculate the area when the two sides and its adjacent angle are given. |
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