The sine rule is one of a pair of rules useful
in solving triangles. It concerns the ratio between the length of a side and its opposite angle.
Given a triangle with vertices A,B,C and edges a,b,c opposite their respective angles, the sine rule states:
a / sin(A) = b / sin(B) = c / sin(C)
It is possible, using this method, to solve a triangle when given a side length and any two angles. It is also possible to solve the case given two sides and one non-included angle - although an ambiguous result will be given, which must be checked against the rule:
A+B+C = 180°.
For an included angle, or three side lengths, use the cosine rule. |