
Variables
Description
What is this formula?
The Law of Sines is a fundamental trigonometric relationship that connects the sides of a triangle with the sines of their opposite angles.
It states that the ratio between a side length and the sine of its opposite angle is constant for all three sides of a triangle.
This formula is widely used to solve oblique triangles where standard right triangle trigonometry cannot be directly applied.
When to use it
Use the Law of Sines when solving triangles in cases such as:
- Two angles and one side are known (AAS or ASA)
- Two sides and a non-included angle are known (SSA)
- Determining unknown sides or angles
- Surveying and navigation calculations
It is especially useful for non-right triangles.
Example
If:
A = 30°
B = 45°
a = 10 m
Then:
b = a*sin(B)/sin(A)
b = 10*sin(45°)/sin(30°)
b = 14.14 m
Applications
- Trigonometry and geometry
- Civil engineering
- Navigation and surveying
- Astronomy
- Physics and mechanics
- Computer graphics
