How do I know wether to use the sine or cosine rule?
You can determine whether to use the sine or cosine rule by looking at the information that is given in the problem.
Use the sine rule when:
- You know two angles and one side (or two sides and one non-included angle) of a triangle.
- You need to find a missing side or angle of a triangle.
Use the cosine rule when:
- You know two sides and the included angle of a triangle.
- You need to find a missing side or angle of a triangle.
It’s important to remember that the sine rule involves the ratio of the length of a side to the sine of the opposite angle, while the cosine rule involves the ratio of the lengths of two sides and the cosine of the included angle. Therefore, make sure you have the necessary information before applying the appropriate rule.
The sine and cosine rules are formulas used to calculate the missing sides or angles of a triangle.
Use the sine rule when you have two angles and one side (or two sides and one non-included angle) of a triangle and need to find a missing side or angle.
Use the cosine rule when you have two sides and the included angle of a triangle and need to find a missing side or angle.
The sine rule involves the ratio of the length of a side to the sine of the opposite angle, while the cosine rule involves the ratio of the lengths of two sides and the cosine of the included angle.
Look at the information that is given in the problem. If you have two angles and one side (or two sides and one non-included angle), use the sine rule. If you have two sides and the included angle, use the cosine rule.
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