32

T.5 The Law of Sines and Cosines and Its Applications

The concepts of solving triangles developed in section T4 can be extended to all triangles. A triangle that is not
right-angled is called an oblique triangle. Many application problems involve solving oblique triangles. Yet, we
can not use the SOH-CAH-TOA rules when solving those triangles since SOH-CAH-TOA definitions apply only
to right triangles! So, we need to search for other rules that will allow us to solve oblique triangles.

The Sine Law

Observe that all triangles can be classified with respect to the size of their angles as acute (with all acute angles),
right (with one right angle), or obtuse (with one obtuse angle). Therefore, oblique triangles are either acute or
obtuse.

Let’s consider both cases of an oblique ⊿𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴, as in Figure 1. In each case, let’s drop the
height ℎ from vertex 𝐵𝐵 onto the line ⃖����⃗
𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 , meeting this line at point 𝐷𝐷. This way, we obtain
two more right triangles, ⊿𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 with hypotenuse 𝑐𝑐, and ⊿𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 with hypotenuse 𝑎𝑎.
Applying the ratio of sine to both of these triangles, we have:
ℎ
sin ∠𝐴𝐴 = , so ℎ = 𝑐𝑐 sin ∠𝐴𝐴
𝑐𝑐

ℎ
and sin ∠𝐶𝐶 = , so ℎ = 𝑎𝑎 sin ∠𝐶𝐶.
𝑎𝑎
Thus,
𝑎𝑎 sin ∠𝐶𝐶 = 𝑐𝑐 sin ∠𝐴𝐴,
Figure 1 and we obtain
𝒂𝒂 𝒄𝒄
= .
𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬 ∠𝑨𝑨 𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬 ∠𝑪𝑪

Similarly, by dropping heights from the other two vertices, we can show that

𝒂𝒂 𝒃𝒃 𝒃𝒃 𝒄𝒄
= and = .
𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬 ∠𝑨𝑨 𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬 ∠𝑩𝑩 𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬 ∠𝑩𝑩 𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬 ∠𝑪𝑪

This result is known as the law of sines.

The Sine Law In any triangle 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴, the lengths of the sides are proportional to the sines of the opposite
angles. This fact can be expressed in any of the following, equivalent forms:
𝒂𝒂 𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬 ∠𝑨𝑨 𝒃𝒃 𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬 ∠𝑩𝑩 𝒄𝒄 𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬 ∠𝑪𝑪
= , = , =
𝒃𝒃 𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬 ∠𝑩𝑩 𝒄𝒄 𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬 ∠𝑪𝑪 𝒂𝒂 𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬 ∠𝑨𝑨
or
𝒂𝒂 𝒃𝒃 𝒄𝒄
= =
𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬 ∠𝑨𝑨 𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬 ∠𝑩𝑩 𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬 ∠𝑪𝑪
or
𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬 ∠𝑨𝑨 𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬 ∠𝑩𝑩 𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬 ∠𝑪𝑪
= =
𝒂𝒂 𝒃𝒃 𝒄𝒄
 33

Observation: As with any other proportion, to solve for one variable, we need to know the three remaining values.
Notice that when using the Sine Law proportions, the three known values must include one pair of
opposite data: a side and its opposite angle.

Solving Oblique Triangles with the Aid of The Sine Law

Given the information, solve each triangle 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴.

a. ∠𝐴𝐴 = 42°, ∠𝐵𝐵 = 34°, 𝑏𝑏 = 15 b. ∠𝐴𝐴 = 35°, 𝑎𝑎 = 12, 𝑏𝑏 = 9

Solution a. First, we will sketch a triangle 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 that models the given data. Since the sum of angles
in any triangle equals 180°, we have

∠𝑪𝑪 = 180° − 42° − 34° = 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏°.

Then, to find length 𝑎𝑎, we will use the pair (𝑎𝑎, ∠𝐴𝐴) of opposite data, side 𝑎𝑎 and ∠𝐴𝐴,
and the given pair (𝑏𝑏, ∠𝐵𝐵). From the Sine Law proportion, we have
𝑎𝑎 15
= ,
sin 42° sin 34°
which gives
15 ∙ sin 42°
𝒂𝒂 = ≃ 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏. 𝟗𝟗
sin 34°

To find length 𝑐𝑐, we will use the pair (𝑐𝑐, ∠𝐶𝐶) and the given pair of opposite data
(𝑏𝑏, ∠𝐵𝐵). From the Sine Law proportion, we have
𝑐𝑐 15 for easier calculations,
= ,
sin 104° sin 34° keep the unknown in
which gives the numerator
15 ∙ sin 104°
𝒄𝒄 = ≃ 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐
sin 34°
So the triangle is solved.

b. As before, we will start by sketching a triangle 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 that models the given data. Using
the pair (9, ∠𝐵𝐵) and the given pair of opposite data (12, 35°), we can set up a
proportion
sin ∠𝐵𝐵 sin 35°
= .
9 12
Then, solving it for sin ∠𝐵𝐵, we have

9 ∙ sin 35°
sin ∠𝐵𝐵 = ≃ 0.4302,
12
which, after applying the inverse sine function, gives us

∠𝑩𝑩 ≃ 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐. 𝟓𝟓°

 34

Now, we are ready to find ∠𝑪𝑪 = 180° − 35° − 25.5° = 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏. 𝟓𝟓°,
and finally, from the proportion
𝑐𝑐 12
= ,
sin 119.5° sin 35°
we have
12 ∙ sin 119.5°
𝒄𝒄 = ≃ 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏. 𝟐𝟐
sin 35°
Thus, the triangle is solved.

Ambiguous Case

Observe that the size of one angle and the length of two sides does
not always determine a unique triangle. For example, there are two
different triangles that can be constructed with ∠𝐴𝐴 = 35°, 𝑎𝑎 = 9, 35°
𝑏𝑏 = 12.
Such a situation is called an ambiguous case. It occurs when the
opposite side to the given angle is shorter than the other given side
but long enough to complete the construction of an oblique 35°
triangle, as illustrated in Figure 2.
In application problems, if the given information does not
determine a unique triangle, both possibilities should be
considered in order for the solution to be complete. Figure 2
On the other hand, not every set of data allows for the construction
of a triangle. For example (see Figure 3), if ∠𝐴𝐴 = 35°, 𝑎𝑎 = 5,
𝑏𝑏 = 12, the side 𝑎𝑎 is too short to complete a triangle, or if 𝑎𝑎 = 2,
𝑏𝑏 = 3, 𝑐𝑐 = 6, the sum of lengths of 𝑎𝑎 and 𝑏𝑏 is smaller than the
length of 𝑐𝑐, which makes impossible to construct a triangle fitting
the data.
Note that in any triangle, the sum of lengths of any two sides is
always bigger than the length of the third side. Figure 3

Using the Sine Law in an Ambiguous Case

Solve triangle 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴, knowing that ∠𝐴𝐴 = 30°, 𝑎𝑎 = 10, 𝑏𝑏 = 16.

Solution When sketching a diagram, we notice that there are two possible triangles, ⊿𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 and
⊿𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴’𝐶𝐶, complying with the given information. ⊿𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 can be solved in the same way as
the triangle in Example 1b. In particular, one can calculate that in ⊿𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴, we have ∠𝑩𝑩 ≃
𝟕𝟕𝟕𝟕. 𝟖𝟖°, ∠𝑪𝑪 ≃ 𝟕𝟕𝟕𝟕. 𝟐𝟐°, and 𝒄𝒄 ≃ 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏. 𝟔𝟔.

Let’s see how to solve ⊿𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴’𝐶𝐶 then. As before, to find ∠𝐵𝐵’, we will use the proportion
 35

sin ∠𝐵𝐵′ sin 30°

= ,
19 10
19∙sin 30°
which gives us sin ∠𝐵𝐵′ = = 0.95. However, when applying the inverse sine
10
function to the number 0.95, a calculator returns the approximate angle of 71.8°. Yet, we
know that angle 𝐵𝐵′ is obtuse. So, we should look for an angle in the second quadrant, with
the reference angle of 71.8°. Therefore, ∠𝑩𝑩′ = 180° − 71.8° = 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏. 𝟐𝟐°.
Now, ∠𝑪𝑪 = 180° − 30° − 108.2° = 𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒. 𝟖𝟖°
and finally, from the proportion
𝑐𝑐 10
= ,
sin 41.8° sin 30°
we have
10 ∙ sin 41.8°
𝒄𝒄 = ≃ 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏. 𝟑𝟑
sin 30°
Thus, ⊿𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴’𝐶𝐶 is solved.

Solving an Application Problem Using the Sine Law

Approaching from the west, a group of hikers records the angle of elevation to the summit
of a steep mountain to be 35° at a distance of 1250 meters from the base of the mountain.
Arriving at the base of the mountain, the hikers estimate that this side of the mountain has
an average slope of 48°.
a. Find the slant height of the
mountain’s west side.
b. Find the slant height of the east side
of the mountain, if the east side has
an average slope of 65°.
c. How tall is the mountain?

Solution First, let’s draw a diagram that models the situation and label its important
parts, as in Figure 3.

a. To find the slant height 𝑑𝑑, consider ⊿𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴. Observe that one can easily
find the remaining angles of this triangle, as shown below:

∠𝐴𝐴𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 = 180° − 48° = 135° supplementary angles

and
Figure 3
∠𝐴𝐴𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶 = 180° − 35° − 135° = 10° sum of angles in a ⊿

Therefore, applying the law of sines, we have

𝑑𝑑 1250
= ,
sin 35° sin 10°
 36

which gives
1250 sin 35°
𝒅𝒅 = ≃ 𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒. 𝟗𝟗 𝒎𝒎.
sin 10°

b. To find the slant height 𝑎𝑎, we can apply the law of sines to ⊿𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 using the pair
(4128.9, 65°) to have
𝑎𝑎 4128.9
= ,
sin 48° sin 65°
which gives
4128.9 sin 48°
𝒂𝒂 = ≃ 𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑. 𝟔𝟔 𝒎𝒎.
sin 65°

c. To find the height ℎ of the mountain, we can use the right triangle 𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵. Using the
definition of sine, we have
ℎ
= sin 48°,
4128.9
so 𝒉𝒉 = 4128.9 sin 48° = 𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑. 𝟒𝟒 𝒎𝒎.

The Cosine Law

The above examples show how the Sine Law can help in solving oblique triangles when one pair of opposite
data is given. However, the Sine Law is not enough to solve a triangle if the given information is
- the length of the three sides (but no angles), or
- the length of two sides and the enclosed angle.
Both of the above cases can be solved with the use of another property of a triangle, called the Cosine Law.

The Cosine Law In any triangle 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴, the square of a side of a triangle is equal to the sum of the
squares of the other two sides, minus twice their product times the cosine of the
opposite angle.
𝒂𝒂𝟐𝟐 = 𝒃𝒃𝟐𝟐 + 𝒄𝒄𝟐𝟐 − 𝟐𝟐𝒃𝒃𝒄𝒄 𝐜𝐜𝐜𝐜𝐜𝐜 ∠𝑨𝑨

𝒃𝒃𝟐𝟐 = 𝒂𝒂𝟐𝟐 + 𝒄𝒄𝟐𝟐 − 𝟐𝟐𝒂𝒂𝒄𝒄 𝐜𝐜𝐜𝐜𝐜𝐜 ∠𝑩𝑩

𝒄𝒄𝟐𝟐 = 𝒂𝒂𝟐𝟐 + 𝒃𝒃𝟐𝟐 − 𝟐𝟐𝒂𝒂𝒃𝒃 𝐜𝐜𝐜𝐜𝐜𝐜 ∠𝑪𝑪

note the opposite
side and angle

Observation: If the angle of interest in any of the above equations is right, since cos 90° = 0, the equation
becomes Pythagorean. So the Cosine Law can be seen as an extension of the Pythagorean Theorem.

To derive this law, let’s place an oblique triangle 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 in the system of
coordinates so that vertex 𝐶𝐶 is at the origin, side 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 lies along the positive
𝑥𝑥-axis, and vertex 𝐵𝐵 is above the 𝑥𝑥-axis, as in Figure 3.
Thus 𝐶𝐶 = (0,0) and 𝐴𝐴 = (𝑏𝑏, 0). Suppose point 𝐵𝐵 has coordinates (𝑥𝑥, 𝑦𝑦).
By Definition 2.2, we have
Figure 3
 37

𝑦𝑦 𝑥𝑥
sin ∠𝐶𝐶 = and cos ∠𝐶𝐶 = ,
𝑎𝑎 𝑎𝑎
which gives us
𝑦𝑦 = 𝑎𝑎 sin ∠𝐶𝐶 and 𝑥𝑥 = 𝑎𝑎 cos ∠𝐶𝐶 .
Let 𝐷𝐷 = (𝑥𝑥, 0) be the perpendicular projection of the vertex 𝐵𝐵 onto the x-
axis. After applying the Pythagorean equation to the right triangle 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴,
with ∠𝐷𝐷 = 90°, we obtain

here we use the

𝒄𝒄𝟐𝟐 = 𝑦𝑦 2 + (𝑏𝑏 − 𝑥𝑥)2
Pythagorean identity = (𝑎𝑎 sin ∠𝐶𝐶)2 + (𝑏𝑏 − 𝑎𝑎 cos ∠𝐶𝐶)2
developed in section T2: = 𝑎𝑎2 sin2 ∠𝐶𝐶 + 𝑏𝑏 2 − 2𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 cos ∠𝐶𝐶 + 𝑎𝑎2 cos2 ∠𝐶𝐶
𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝟐𝟐 𝜽𝜽 + 𝐜𝐜𝐜𝐜𝐜𝐜 𝟐𝟐 𝜽𝜽 = 𝟏𝟏 = 𝑎𝑎2 (sin2 ∠𝐶𝐶 + cos2 ∠𝐶𝐶) + 𝑏𝑏 2 − 2𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 cos ∠𝐶𝐶
= 𝒂𝒂𝟐𝟐 + 𝒃𝒃𝟐𝟐 − 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐 𝐜𝐜𝐜𝐜𝐜𝐜 ∠𝑪𝑪

Similarly, by placing the vertices 𝐴𝐴 or 𝐵𝐵 at the origin, one can develop the remaining two forms of the Cosine
Law.

Solving Oblique Triangles Given Two Sides and the Enclosed Angle

Solve triangle 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴, given that ∠𝐵𝐵 = 95°, 𝑎𝑎 = 13, and 𝑐𝑐 = 7.

Solution First, we will sketch an oblique triangle 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 to model the situation. Since there
is no pair of opposite data given, we cannot use the law of sines. However,
applying the law of cosines with respect to side 𝑏𝑏 and ∠𝐵𝐵 allows for finding the
length 𝑏𝑏. From

𝑏𝑏 2 = 132 + 72 − 2 ∙ 13 ∙ 7 cos 95° ≃ 233.86,

we have 𝒃𝒃 ≃ 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏. 𝟑𝟑 . watch the order of

operations here!

Now, since we already have the pair of opposite data (15.3, 95°), we can apply the law of
sines to find, for example, ∠𝐶𝐶. From the proportion
sin ∠𝐶𝐶 sin 95°
= ,
7 15.3
we have
7 ∙ sin 95°
sin ∠𝐶𝐶 = ≃ 0.4558,
15.3
thus ∠𝑪𝑪 = sin−1 0.4558 ≃ 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐. 𝟏𝟏°.
Finally, ∠𝑨𝑨 = 180° − 95° − 27.1° = 𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓. 𝟗𝟗° and the triangle is solved.

When applying the law of cosines in the above example, there was no other choice but to start with the pair of
opposite data (𝑏𝑏, ∠𝐵𝐵). However, in the case of three given sides, one could apply the law of cosines corresponding
to any pair of opposite data. Is there any preference as to which pair to start with? Actually, yes. Observe that after
using the law of cosines, we often use the law of sines to complete the solution since the calculations are usually
easier to perform this way. Unfortunately, when solving a sine proportion for an obtuse angle, one would need to
 38

change the angle obtained from a calculator to its supplementary one. This is because calculators are programmed
to return angles from the first quadrant when applying sin−1 to positive ratios. If we look for an obtuse angle, we
need to employ the fact that sin 𝛼𝛼 = sin(180° − 𝛼𝛼) and take the supplement of the calculator’s answer. To avoid
this ambiguity, it is recommended to apply the cosine law to the pair of the longest side and largest angle first.
This will guarantee that the law of sines will be used to find only acute angles and thus it will not cause ambiguity.

Recommendations: - apply the Cosine Law only when it is absolutely necessary (SAS or SSS)
- apply the Cosine Law to find the largest angle first, if applicable

Solving Oblique Triangles Given Three Sides

Solve triangle 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴, given that 𝑎𝑎 = 15 𝑚𝑚, 𝑏𝑏 = 25 𝑚𝑚, and 𝑐𝑐 = 28 𝑚𝑚.

Solution First, we will sketch a triangle 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 to model the situation. As before, there is
no pair of opposite data given, so we cannot use the law of sines. So, we will
apply the law of cosines with respect to the pair (28, ∠𝐶𝐶), as the side 𝑐𝑐 = 28 is
the longest. To solve the equation

282 = 152 + 252 − 2 ∙ 15 ∙ 25 cos ∠𝐶𝐶

watch the order of
for ∠𝐶𝐶, we will first solve it for cos ∠𝐶𝐶, and have operations when
solving for cosine

282 − 152 − 252 −66

cos ∠𝐶𝐶 = = = 0.088,
−2 ∙ 15 ∙ 25 −750
which, after applying cos−1, gives ∠𝑪𝑪 ≃ 𝟖𝟖𝟖𝟖°.

Since now we already have the pair of opposite data (28, 85°), we can apply the law of
sines to find, for example, ∠𝐴𝐴. From the proportion
sin ∠𝐴𝐴 sin 85°
= ,
15 28
we have
15 ∙ sin 85°
sin ∠𝐴𝐴 = ≃ 0.5337,
28
thus ∠𝑨𝑨 = sin−1 0.5337 ≃ 𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑. 𝟑𝟑°.
Finally, ∠𝑩𝑩 = 180° − 85° − 32.3° = 𝟔𝟔𝟔𝟔. 𝟕𝟕° and the triangle is solved.

Solving an Application Problem Using the Cosine Law

Two planes leave an airport at the same time and fly for two hours. Plane 𝐴𝐴 flies in the
direction of 165° at 385 km/h and plane 𝐵𝐵 flies in the direction of 250° at 410 km/h. How
far apart are the planes after two hours?

Solution As usual, we start the solution by sketching a diagram appropriate to the situation. Assume
the notation as in Figure 4.
 39

165° Since plane 𝐴𝐴 flies at 385 km/h for two hours, we can find the distance

250°
𝑏𝑏 = 2 ∙ 385 = 770 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘.

Similarly, since plane 𝐵𝐵 flies at 410 km/h for two hours, we have

𝑎𝑎 = 2 ∙ 410 = 820 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘.

Figure 4 The measure of the enclosed angle 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 can be obtained as a difference between the given
directions. So we have

∠𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 = 250° − 165° = 85°.

Now, we are ready to apply the law of cosines in reference to the pair (𝑝𝑝, 85°). From the
equation

𝑝𝑝2 = 8202 + 7702 − 2 ∙ 820 ∙ 770 cos 85°,

we have 𝒑𝒑 ≃ √1155239.7 ≃ 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏. 𝟖𝟖 𝒌𝒌𝒌𝒌.

So we know that after two hours, the two planes are about 1074.8 kilometers apart.

Area of a Triangle

The method used to derive the law of sines can also be used to derive a handy formula for finding the area of a
triangle, without knowing its height.
Let 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 be a triangle with height ℎ dropped from the vertex 𝐵𝐵 onto the line ⃖����⃗
𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 ,
meeting ⃖����⃗
𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 at the point 𝐷𝐷, as shown in Figure 5. Using the right ⊿𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴, we have
ℎ
sin ∠𝐴𝐴 = ,
𝑐𝑐
and equivalently ℎ = 𝑐𝑐 sin ∠𝐴𝐴, which after substituting into the well known formula
𝟏𝟏
for area of a triangle [𝑨𝑨𝑨𝑨𝑨𝑨] = 𝟐𝟐 𝒃𝒃𝒃𝒃, gives us

𝟏𝟏
[𝑨𝑨𝑨𝑨𝑨𝑨] = 𝒃𝒃𝒃𝒃 𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬 ∠𝑨𝑨
𝟐𝟐

Figure 5

The Sine Formula for Area of a Triangle

The area [𝑨𝑨𝑨𝑨𝑨𝑨] of a triangle 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 can be calculated by taking half of a product of the
lengths of two sides and the sine of the enclosed angle. We have
𝟏𝟏 𝟏𝟏 𝟏𝟏
[𝑨𝑨𝑨𝑨𝑨𝑨] = 𝒃𝒃𝒄𝒄 𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬 ∠𝑨𝑨, [𝑨𝑨𝑨𝑨𝑨𝑨] = 𝒂𝒂𝒄𝒄 𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬 ∠𝑩𝑩, or [𝑨𝑨𝑨𝑨𝑨𝑨] = 𝒂𝒂𝒃𝒃 𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬𝐬 ∠𝑪𝑪.
𝟐𝟐 𝟐𝟐 𝟐𝟐
 40

Finding Area of a Triangle Given Two Sides and the Enclosed Angle

A stationary surveillance camera is set up to monitor activity in

the parking lot of a shopping mall. If the camera has a 38° field
of vision, how many square feet of the parking lot can it tape
using the given dimensions?

Solution We start with sketching an appropriate diagram. Assume the notation as in Figure 6.

From the sine formula for area of a triangle, we have

1
[𝑷𝑷𝑷𝑷𝑷𝑷] = ∙ 110 ∙ 225 sin 38° ≃ 𝟕𝟕𝟕𝟕𝟕𝟕𝟕𝟕 𝒇𝒇𝒇𝒇𝟐𝟐 .
2

Figure 6 The surveillance camera monitors approximately 7619 square feet of the parking lot.

Heron’s Formula

The law of cosines can be used to derive a formula for the area of a triangle when only the lengths of the three
sides are known. This formula is known as Heron’s formula, named after the Greek mathematician Heron of
Alexandria.

Heron’s Formula for Area of a Triangle

𝒂𝒂+𝒃𝒃+𝒄𝒄
The area [𝑨𝑨𝑨𝑨𝑨𝑨] of a triangle 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 with sides 𝑎𝑎, 𝑏𝑏, 𝑐𝑐, and semiperimeter 𝒔𝒔 = can
𝟐𝟐
be calculated using the formula

[𝑨𝑨𝑨𝑨𝑨𝑨] = �𝒔𝒔(𝒔𝒔 − 𝒂𝒂)(𝒔𝒔 − 𝒃𝒃)(𝒔𝒔 − 𝒄𝒄)

Finding Area of a Triangle Given Three Sides

A New York City developer wants to build condominiums on the triangular lot formed by
Greenwich, Watts, and Canal Streets. How many square meters does the developer have to
work with if the frontage along each street is approximately 34.1 m, 43.5 m, and 62.4 m,
respectively?

Solution To find the area of the triangular lot with given sides, we would like to use Heron’s
Formula. For this reason, we first calculate the semiperimeter
34.1 + 43.5 + 62.4
𝑠𝑠 = = 70.
2
Then, the area equals

�70(70 − 34.1)(70 − 43.5)(70 − 62.4) = √506118.2 ≃ 𝟕𝟕𝟕𝟕𝟕𝟕 𝒎𝒎𝟐𝟐 .

Thus, the developer has approximately 711 square meters to work with in the lot.
 41

T.5 Exercises

Vocabulary Check Fill in each blank.

1. A triangle that is not right-angled is called an _____________ triangle.

2. When solving a triangle, we apply the law of sines only when a pair of _____________ data is given.

3. To solve triangles with all _________ sides or two sides and the ________________angle given, we use the
law of ______________ .

4. The ambiguous case refers to the situation when ______ ________________ satisfying the given data can be
constructed.

5. In any triangle, the ______________ side is always opposite the largest ____________.

6. In any triangle the ________ of lengths of any pair of sides is bigger than the ____________ of the third
_________ .

7. To avoid dealing with the _________________ case, we should use the law of ____________ when solving
for the ___________ angle.

8. The Cosine Law can be considered as an extension of the ___________________ Theorem.

9. The ____________ of a triangle with three given ___________ can be calculated by using the Heron’s
formula.

Concept check Use the law of sines to solve each triangle.

10. 11. 12.

13. 14. 15.

16. ∠𝐴𝐴 = 30°, ∠𝐵𝐵 = 30°, 𝑎𝑎 = 10 17. ∠𝐴𝐴 = 150°, ∠𝐶𝐶 = 20°, 𝑎𝑎 = 200

18. ∠𝐶𝐶 = 145°, 𝑏𝑏 = 4, 𝑐𝑐 = 14 19. ∠𝐴𝐴 = 110°15′ , 𝑎𝑎 = 48, 𝑏𝑏 = 16

 42

Concept check Use the law of cosines to solve each triangle.

20. 21. 22.

23. 24. 25.

26. ∠𝐶𝐶 = 60°, 𝑎𝑎 = 3, 𝑏𝑏 = 10 27. ∠𝐵𝐵 = 112°, 𝑎𝑎 = 23, 𝑐𝑐 = 31

28. 𝑎𝑎 = 2, 𝑏𝑏 = 3, 𝑐𝑐 = 4 29. 𝑎𝑎 = 34, 𝑏𝑏 = 12, 𝑐𝑐 = 17.5

Concept check

30. If side 𝑎𝑎 is twice as long as side 𝑏𝑏, is ∠𝐴𝐴 necessarily twice as large as ∠𝐵𝐵?

Use the appropriate law to solve each application problem.

31. To find the distance 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 across a river, a surveyor laid off a
distance 𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 = 354 meters on one side of the river, as shown
in the accompanying figure. It is found that ∠𝐵𝐵 = 112°10′
and ∠𝐶𝐶 = 15°20′. Find the distance 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴.

32. To determine the distance 𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅 across a deep canyon (see

the accompanying figure), Peter lays off a distance 𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 =
480 meters. Then he finds that ∠𝑇𝑇 = 32° and ∠𝑅𝑅 = 102°.
Find the distance 𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅.

33. A ship is sailing due north. At a certain point, the

captain of the ship notices a lighthouse 12.5 km away from
the ship, at the bearing of 𝑵𝑵38.8°𝑬𝑬. Later on, the bearing of
the lighthouse becomes 𝑺𝑺44.2°𝑬𝑬. In meters, how far did the
ship travel between the two observations of the lighthouse?

34. The bearing of a lighthouse from a ship was found to be 𝑵𝑵37°𝑬𝑬. After the ship sailed 2.5 mi due south, the
new bearing was 𝑵𝑵25°𝑬𝑬. Find the distance between the ship and the lighthouse at each location.
 43

35. Joe and Jill set sail from the same point, with Joe sailing in the direction of S4°E and Jill sailing in the
direction S9°W. After 4 hr, Jill was 2 mi due west of Joe. How far had Jill sailed?

36. A hill has an angle of inclination of 36°, as shown in the accompanying

figure. A study completed by a state’s highway commission showed that
the placement of a highway requires that 400 ft of the hill, measured
horizontally, be removed. The engineers plan to leave a slope alongside
the highway with an angle of inclination of 62°, as shown in the figure.
Located 750 ft up the hill measured from the base is a tree containing the
nest of an endangered hawk. Will this tree be removed in the excavation?

37. Radio direction finders are placed at points 𝐴𝐴 and 𝐵𝐵, which are 3.46
mi apart on an east-west line, with 𝐴𝐴 west of 𝐵𝐵. A radio transmitter
is found to be at the direction of 47.7° from 𝐴𝐴 and 302.5° from 𝐵𝐵.
Find the distance of the transmitter from 𝐴𝐴, to the nearest hundredth
of a mile.

38. Observers at 𝑃𝑃 and 𝑄𝑄 are located on the side of a hill that is inclined
32° to the horizontal, as shown in the accompanying figure. The
observer at 𝑃𝑃 determines the angle of elevation to a hot-air balloon
to be 62°. At the same instant, the observer at 𝑄𝑄 measures the angle
of elevation to the balloon to be 71°. If 𝑃𝑃 is 60 meters down the hill
from 𝑄𝑄, find the distance from 𝑄𝑄 to the balloon.

39. What is the length of the chord subtending a central angle of 19° in
a circle of radius 30 ft?

40. A pilot flies her plane on a heading of 35° from point 𝑋𝑋 to point 𝑌𝑌, which is 400 mi from 𝑋𝑋. Then she turns
and flies on a heading of 145° to point 𝑍𝑍, which is 400 mi from her starting point 𝑋𝑋. What is the heading of
𝑍𝑍 from 𝑋𝑋, and what is the distance 𝑌𝑌𝑌𝑌?

41. A painter is going to apply a special coating to a

triangular metal plate on a new building. Two sides
measure 16.1 m and 15.2 m. She knows that the angle
between these sides is 125°. What is the area of the surface
she plans to cover with the coating?

42. A camera lens with a 6-in. focal length has an angular

coverage of 86°. Suppose an aerial photograph is taken
vertically with no tilt at an altitude of 3500 ft over ground
with an increasing slope of 7°, as shown in the
accompanying figure. Calculate the ground distance 𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶
that will appear in the resulting photograph.
 44

43. A solar panel with a width of 1.2 m is positioned on a flat roof, as

shown in the accompanying figure. What is the angle of elevation
𝛼𝛼 of the solar panel?

44. An engineer wants to position

three pipes so that they are tangent
to each other. A perpendicular
cross section of the structure is shown in the accompanying figure. If pipes
with centers 𝐴𝐴, 𝐵𝐵, and 𝐶𝐶 have radii 2 in., 3 in., and 4 in., respectively, then
what are the angles of the triangle 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴?

45. A flagpole 95 ft tall is on the top of a building. From a point on level

ground, the angle of elevation of the top of the flagpole is 35°, and the angle
of elevation of the bottom of the flagpole is 26°. Find the height of the building.

15°20′
46. The angle of elevation (see the figure to the right) from the top of a building 90 ft
high to the top of a nearby mast is 15°20′. From the base of the building, the angle
of elevation of the tower is 29°30′. Find the height of the mast. 90 𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓

47. A real estate agent wants to find the area of a triangular lot. A surveyor takes 29°30′
measurements and finds that two sides are 52.1 m and 21.3 m, and the angle between
them is 42.2°. What is the area of the triangular lot?

48. A painter needs to cover a triangular region with sides of lengths 75 meters, 68 meters, and 85 meters. A can
of paint covers 75 square meters of area. How many cans will be needed?
y B (8,7)
Analytic Skills A (12,5)
θ
49. Find the measure of angle 𝜃𝜃 enclosed by the segments 𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂 and 𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂, as on the
accompanying diagram. O x

50. Prove that for a triangle inscribed in a circle of radius 𝑟𝑟 (see the diagram to the
𝑎𝑎 𝑏𝑏 𝑐𝑐
left), the law of sine ratios , , and have value 2𝑟𝑟. Then confirm
sin ∠𝐴𝐴 sin ∠𝐵𝐵 sin ∠𝐶𝐶
that in a circle of diameter 1, the following equations hold: sin ∠𝐴𝐴 = 𝑎𝑎, sin ∠𝐵𝐵 =
𝑏𝑏, and sin ∠𝐶𝐶 = 𝑐𝑐.
(This provides an alternative way to define the sine function for angles between 0°
and 180°. It was used nearly 2000 years ago by the mathematician Ptolemy to
construct one of the earliest trigonometric tables.)

51. Josie places her lawn sprinklers at the vertices of a triangle that has sides of 9 m, 10 m, and 11 m. The
sprinklers water in circular patterns with radii of 4, 5, and 6 m. No area is watered by more than one sprinkler.
What amount of area inside the triangle is not watered by any of the three sprinklers? Round the answer to
the nearest hundredth of a square meter.
 45

52. The Pentagon in Washington D.C. is 921 ft on each side, as

shown in the accompanying figure. What is the distance 𝑟𝑟
from a vertex to the center of the Pentagon?

𝑟𝑟
921 𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓