The sine rule
Watch this video to learn about the sine rule.
The trigonometric ratios sine, cosine and tangent are used to calculate angles and sides in right angled triangles. We are now going to extend trigonometry beyond right angled triangles and use it to solve problems involving any triangle.
\(\frac{a}{{\sin A}} = \frac{b}{{\sin B}} = \frac{c}{{\sin C}}\)
We can use the sine rule when we're given the sizes of:
- two sides and one angle (which is opposite to one of these sides)
- one side and any two angles
Example
Find the size of angle R.
\(\frac{p}{{\sin P}} = \frac{r}{{\sin R}}\)
Substitute the information from the diagram
\(\frac{9}{{\sin (75^\circ )}} = \frac{4}{{\sin R}}\)
Use 'change side, change operation'.
\(9\sin R = 4\sin (75^\circ )\)
\(\sin R = \frac{{4\sin (75^\circ )}}{9}\)
\(SinR=0.429\)
Moving sin to the other side becomes sin-1.
\(R=sin^{-1}\,0.429\)
\(R = 25.4^\circ (to\,1\,d.p.)\)
Remember to press 'shift' then 'sin' to get 'sin-1' on your calculator.
Now try the example question below.
Question
Find the length of YZ.
We know two An angle is formed when two straight lines meet. and so the third angle in the triangle must make up the total \(180^\circ\) ie \(x = 45^\circ\).
\(\frac{x}{{\sin X}} = \frac{z}{{\sin Z}}\)
\(\frac{x}{{\sin (45^\circ )}} = \frac{4}{{\sin (40^\circ )}}\)
\(x = \frac{4}{{\sin (40^\circ )}} \times \sin (45^\circ )\)
\(x = \frac{{4\sin (45^\circ )}}{{\sin (40^\circ )}}\)
\(x = 4\sin (45^\circ ) \div \sin (40^\circ )\)
\(x = 4.40025...\)
Therefore \(YZ = 4.4cm\,(to\,1\,d.p.)\)