General Triangle Solver
The ultimate tool to solve any triangle. Input three known values (e.g., SSS, SAS, ASA, AAS) and automatically calculate all missing sides, angles, area, and perimeter using the law of sines, law of cosines, and Heron's formula.
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About General Triangle Solver
Welcome to the General Triangle Solver, a comprehensive tool for solving any triangle using advanced trigonometric methods. Whether you know three sides (SSS), two sides and an angle (SAS or SSA), or two angles and a side (AAS/ASA), this calculator determines all missing elements including sides, angles, area, and perimeter with step-by-step explanations.
What is a General Triangle Solver?
A General Triangle Solver is a mathematical tool that calculates all unknown elements of a triangle (sides, angles, area, perimeter) when given any three valid pieces of information. It uses the Law of Sines, Law of Cosines, and Heron's formula to solve triangles in any configuration: SSS, SAS, ASA, AAS, or SSA.
Key Features
- Universal Triangle Solution: Solve any triangle with just 3 known values
- Multiple Input Types: Supports SSS, SAS, ASA, AAS, and SSA configurations
- Interactive Visualization: Dynamic SVG diagram with labeled vertices, sides, and angles
- Step-by-Step Solutions: Detailed explanations using Law of Sines and Law of Cosines
- Complete Triangle Data: Calculate all six elements plus area and perimeter
- Triangle Validation: Automatic verification of triangle inequality and angle sum properties
Triangle Solution Methods
The Law of Cosines
The Law of Cosines relates the lengths of the sides of a triangle to the cosine of one of its angles:
This law is essential for solving SSS (three sides) and SAS (two sides and included angle) triangles.
The Law of Sines
The Law of Sines states that the ratio of a side to the sine of its opposite angle is constant:
This is useful for ASA, AAS, and SSA configurations.
Heron's Formula for Area
Heron's formula calculates the area of a triangle when all three sides are known:
where $s = \frac{a+b+c}{2}$ is the semi-perimeter.
How to Use This Calculator
- Identify known values: Determine which three values you know: sides (a, b, c) and/or angles (A, B, C). The angle A is opposite side a, B is opposite side b, and C is opposite side c.
- Enter the known values: Input your three known values in the corresponding fields. Leave the unknown fields empty.
- Click Calculate: The solver automatically detects your triangle type and applies appropriate formulas.
- Review the results: Examine the complete solution including all sides and angles, area, perimeter, an interactive diagram, and step-by-step calculation explanations.
Triangle Configurations Explained
- SSS (Side-Side-Side): Three sides known. Uses Law of Cosines to find all angles.
- SAS (Side-Angle-Side): Two sides and included angle. Uses Law of Cosines for third side, then Law of Sines.
- ASA/AAS: Two angles and one side. Find third angle (sum = 180°), then use Law of Sines.
- SSA (Ambiguous Case): Two sides and non-included angle. May yield 0, 1, or 2 solutions.
What is the SSA Ambiguous Case?
The SSA (Side-Side-Angle) ambiguous case occurs when you know two sides and an angle opposite one of them. This configuration may result in zero, one, or two valid triangles, depending on the relative sizes of the known values. The calculator determines which case applies and provides the valid solution.
Important Triangle Properties
- Angle Sum Property: A + B + C = 180°
- Triangle Inequality: The sum of any two sides must exceed the third side
- Largest Angle Rule: The largest angle is opposite the longest side
Applications
- Education: Learning trigonometry and geometry
- Engineering: Structural analysis and design
- Surveying: Land measurement calculations
- Navigation: Distance and bearing computations
- Architecture: Roof pitch and triangular structures
- Physics: Vector resolution and force diagrams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a General Triangle Solver?
A General Triangle Solver is a mathematical tool that calculates all unknown elements of a triangle (sides, angles, area, perimeter) when given any three valid pieces of information. It uses the Law of Sines, Law of Cosines, and Heron's formula to solve triangles in any configuration: SSS, SAS, ASA, AAS, or SSA.
What is the Law of Cosines?
The Law of Cosines relates the lengths of the sides of a triangle to the cosine of one of its angles. The formula is c² = a² + b² - 2ab·cos(C), where a, b, c are sides and C is the angle opposite to side c. It's used to solve triangles when you know SSS (three sides) or SAS (two sides and included angle).
What is the Law of Sines?
The Law of Sines states that in any triangle, the ratio of the length of a side to the sine of its opposite angle is constant: a/sin(A) = b/sin(B) = c/sin(C). It's useful for solving ASA, AAS, and SSA triangle configurations.
What is the SSA ambiguous case?
The SSA (Side-Side-Angle) ambiguous case occurs when you know two sides and an angle opposite one of them. This configuration may result in zero, one, or two valid triangles, depending on the relative sizes of the known values. The calculator determines which case applies and provides the valid solution.
How is triangle area calculated using Heron's formula?
Heron's formula calculates the area of a triangle when all three sides are known: Area = ā[s(s-a)(s-b)(s-c)], where s is the semi-perimeter: s = (a+b+c)/2. This formula works for any triangle regardless of its shape.
Additional Resources
- Solution of Triangles - Wikipedia
- Law of Sines - Wikipedia
- Law of Cosines - Wikipedia
- Heron's Formula - Wikipedia
Reference this content, page, or tool as:
"General Triangle Solver" at https://MiniWebtool.com/general-triangle-solver/ from MiniWebtool, https://MiniWebtool.com/
by miniwebtool team. Updated: Jan 23, 2026
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