3.7 Quick Trig.

Review (Sine
or Cosine Laws)
MCR3U

Splitting Triangles - Things to keep

in mind:
1) Do NOT split any angles that are given to

you. (those angles are precious!!!!)

2) Split the triangle so that we can get a
RIGHT TRIANGLE with one known side
length and one angle.
3) Work your way (split again if you have to)
to a RIGHT TRIANGLE containing the
side length you are asked to calculate.

The Sine Law:

C
b

sin A
a

sin B
=

sin C
=

To use the Sine Law, we must have:

2 sides + 1 angle to solve for an angle
2 angles + 1 side to solve for a side
But in both cases, there has to be at least
ONE known pair of corresponding side
and angle, e.g. A and a.

The Cosine Law:

C
b

a2 = b2 + c2 2bc cos A
b2 = a2 + c2 2ac cos B
c2 = a2 + b2 2ab cos C
C

Note: This can be challenging because of the formula

rearrangement. Make sure you know how to rearrange the
formulae to solve for the side(s) or angle(s) you want.

The Cosine Law:

C
a2 = b2 + c2 2bc cos A
b

b2 = a2 + c2 2ac cos B

c2 = a2 + b2 2ab cos C
A

The Sine Law is the preferred method, because it is less

complicated. But there are TWO situations where you HAVE
TO use the Cosine Law, such as :
C

S AS

SSS

Example (page 310):

11.A 3m high fence is on the side of a hill and tends to lean over. The hill
is inclined at an angle of 20o to the horizontal. A 6.3m brace is to be
installed to prop up the fence. It will be attached to the fence at a
height of 2.5m and will staked downhill from the base of the fence.
What angle, to the nearest degree, does the brace make with the hill?
B

Not enough info!

6.3 m
?
20o

a = 6.3 m

3m
2.5
m

?
Yes!
180o 70o = 110o

180o 90o 20o = 70o

sin A

sin C
=

110o

Sine Law
or
Cosine Law ?

2.5 sin 110o

= sin C
6.3
C =

2.5 m = c

sin-1 0.3729 = 22o