Skip to main content

Geometry Rules & Formulas

Complete guide to sine rule, cosine rule, and triangle formulas

Sine Rule

Essential rules for solving triangles using the sine rule

Sine Rule Formula

a/sin A = b/sin B = c/sin C

Where a, b, c are sides and A, B, C are opposite angles

When to use:
Two angles and one side (AAS or ASA)
When to use:
Two sides and one non-included angle (SSA)

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Identify known values
List the given sides and angles
Step 2: Choose appropriate formula
Select the sine rule variation needed
Step 3: Substitute and solve
Plug in values and calculate

Cosine Rule

Essential rules for solving triangles using the cosine rule

Cosine Rule Formula

c² = a² + b² - 2ab cos C

Where c is the side opposite angle C

When to use:
Three sides (SSS) - find angles
When to use:
Two sides and included angle (SAS)

Alternative Forms

Find side: c² = a² + b² - 2ab cos C
When you have two sides and included angle
Find angle: cos C = (a² + b² - c²) / 2ab
When you have all three sides

Triangle Properties

Essential properties and relationships in triangles

Angle Sum

A + B + C = 180°

Sum of angles in any triangle

Area Formula

Area = ½ab sin C

Area using two sides and included angle

Pythagorean Theorem

a² + b² = c²

For right-angled triangles only

Related Topics

Explore related concepts and practice tools

Physics Rules

Learn velocity, acceleration, and kinematics formulas

View Physics Rules

Math Rules

Master significant figures, standard form, and decimal rules

View Math Rules

All Rules

Complete guide to all mathematical and physics rules

View All Rules