Solving a triangle

  • To solve a triangle means to find the lengths of all its sides and the measures of all its angles.\
  • The SSS (side-side-side) condition is used when the lengths of all three sides of a triangle are given.
  • The SAS (side-angle-side) condition is used when the lengths of two sides and the measure of the included angle of a triangle are given.
  • The SAA (side-angle-angle) condition is used when the length of one side and the measures of two angles of a triangle are given.
  • To solve a triangle, one can use a combination of the sine, cosine, and tangent rules, as well as the Pythagorean theorem and basic algebra.

Important Terms to Remember in these Solving a triangle


  • When three sides (SSS) are given: use the cosine rule to find an angle, then the sine rule to find the other two angles.
  • When two sides and an included angle (SAS) are given: use the cosine rule to find the third side, then the sine rule to find the other two angles.
  • When one side and two angles are given (SAA): use the sine rule to find the other two sides, then the cosine rule to find the remaining angle.