1. What is the 3rd Side of a Triangle Calculator?

Definition: This calculator finds the length of the third side of a triangle when you know two sides and the included angle.

Purpose: It helps in solving triangle problems in geometry, trigonometry, and various real-world applications like construction and navigation.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Law of Cosines formula:

Where:

• \( c \) — Length of the third side (meters)
• \( a \) — Length of side a (meters)
• \( b \) — Length of side b (meters)
• \( C \) — Included angle between sides a and b (degrees)

Explanation: The formula calculates the third side by accounting for both the lengths of the known sides and the angle between them.

3. Importance of Triangle Side Calculation

Details: Knowing all three sides of a triangle is essential for determining area, other angles, and for applications in construction, engineering, and surveying.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the lengths of two sides in meters and the included angle in degrees (must be between 0 and 180). All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What if I know two angles and one side?
A: Use the Law of Sines instead of the Law of Cosines in that case.

Q2: Does this work for any type of triangle?
A: Yes, the Law of Cosines works for all triangles - acute, right, and obtuse.

Q3: What's the maximum angle I can enter?
A: The angle must be less than 180 degrees for a valid triangle.

Q4: How accurate is the calculation?
A: The calculator provides results accurate to 3 decimal places.

Q5: Can I use different units of measurement?
A: The calculator uses meters, but you can use any consistent unit as long as all sides use the same unit.