Module 5 – SPHERICAL TRIGONOMETRY

Learning Outcomes
At the end of the lesson, the students shall be able to:
1. Determine the remaining parts or the unknown parts of a right spherical
triangles.
2. Determine the remaining parts or the unknown parts of an
isosceles/equilateral spherical triangles.
3. Determine the remaining parts or the unknown parts of a quadrantal
spherical triangles.
4. Determine the remaining parts or the unknown parts of an oblique
spherical triangles.

Guide Questions
1.What is an Spherical Trigonometry?
2.What is a spherical Triangle?
3. What are the types of spherical triangles?
4. What are the properties of a spherical triangle?
5. What is a right spherical triangle?
6. What are the properties of a right spherical triangle?
7. What is an isosceles spherical triangle?
8. What are the properties of an isosceles spherical triangle?
9. What is a quadrantal triangle?

Spherical trigonometry is the branch of spherical geometry that deals with

the relationships between trigonometric functions of the sides and angles of
the spherical polygons (especially spherical triangles) defined by a number
of intersecting great circles on the sphere.
Spherical trigonometry is of great importance for calculations
in astronomy, geodesy and navigation.
The origins of spherical trigonometry in Greek mathematics and the major
developments in Islamic mathematics are discussed fully in History of
trigonometry and Mathematics in medieval Islam.
 Radius - half of the diameter of the sphere

Diameter - Its midpoint passes through the center of the sphere.

Great Circle - section which has the largest area. It is a circle on the
sphere whose plane passes through its center. Great Circles have a
radius of 90 degrees measured along the circumference of the sphere.
The equator of the Earth and meridians of longitude are great circles. A
plane passing through the center of the sphere cuts the sphere in a great
circle

Small Circle - a section in which its diameter do not pass through the center of the
sphere. Small Circles have a radius not equal to 90 degrees. Parallels of latitude
are small circles. A plane not passing through the center of the sphere cuts the
sphere in a small circle.
 Properties of spherical angles

1. Every plane section of a sphere is a CIRCLE.

2. All great circles of a sphere are EQUAL.
3. All great circles of the sphere passes through the CENTER of the
sphere.
4. Two great circles bisect each other though their common diameter.
5. All points on the surface of the sphere are equidistant to its center.
6. The section of the sphere which has the largest area is the great circle.

SPHERICAL ANGLES

Spherical Angles

are formed on the surface of the sphere by the intersection of two

great circle. In the figure the angles are A or , B or , and C.
SPHERICAL TRIANGLE

Spherical Triangles are formed on the surface of the sphere by the

intersection of three great circle.

In the figure ABC are the spherical triangle.

In the figure:

Sides – a, b, and c.

Angles – A, B, C.

Properties of Spherical Triangle

1. The sides are represented with a small letter while the angles are
represented using a big letter.
2. The sides are expressed in angular units (degree, minutes,
seconds).
3. Any side of a spherical triangle is less than the sum of the other
two sides. No side shall exceed 180. No angle shall be equal or
exceed 180.
 4. The sum of the three angles must be greater than 180 but less
than 540 . 180 < (A+B+C) < 540 
5. The sum of the three sides must be less than 360 .(a+b+c)< 360 
6. The greater angle subtends the longer side.
7. The sum of any two sides is less than, greater than, or equal to 180
 according as the sum of their opposite angle is less than, greater
than, or equal to 180  .

If a+b < 180  , then, A+B < 180 

If a+b > 180  , then, A+B > 180 

If a+b = 180  , then, A+B = 180 

Classification of Spherical Triangles

1. Right – a spherical triangle whose one angle is equal to 90 .

2. Obtuse - a spherical triangle wherein one angle is greater than

90 .
3. Acute - a spherical triangle wherein all the angle are less than 90 .
4. Equilateral - a spherical triangle wherein all the sides are equal.
5. Isosceles - a spherical triangle wherein at least two sides are equal.
6. Scalene - a spherical triangle wherein no sides are equal.
7. Quadrantal - a spherical triangle wherein one side is equal to 90 .

RIGHT SPHERICAL TRIANGLES

Right spherical triangle is a spherical triangle whose one angle is equal

to 90 .
 RIGHT SPHERICAL QUADRANTS

Quadrant 1

all angles are less than 90 .

Quadrant 2

all angles are greater than 90 .

RIGHT SPHERICAL THEOREM

Theorem 1:

In a right spherical triangle, any side and its opposite angle

terminates in the same quadrant.

Theorem 2:

If any two sides terminate in the same quadrant, then the third side
terminates in quadrant 1. If, however, any two sides terminate in
different quadrant, then the third side terminates in quadrant 2.
NAPIER’S CIRCLE

Steps in making a Napier’s Circle

1. Assume that the triangle is composed only of five parts. The angle
of 90  is omitted.

2. The complements of the two angles and the hypotenuse are used.

a. The Complements of A is A

b. The complement of c is c

c. The complement of B is B

3. Draw a circle and divide it into 5 parts. Then write all the parts
successively.

PARTS OF THE NAPIER CIRCLE

Middle Part – any part of the Napier’s Circle.

2. Adjacent Part – the part next to the middle part, having a common
boundary with the middle part.

3. Opposite Part – the part, which is past the adjacent part and has no
boundary with the middle part.

NAPIER’S RULE

Rule #1: The sine of the middle part is equal to the product of the
tangents of the adjacent part (tan-ad).

Rule #2: The sine of the middle part is equal to the product of the
cosines of the opposite parts(cos-opp).
 Steps in Solving the Right Spherical Triangle

1. Draw the right spherical triangle and label the parts. Analyze the
quadrants of the unknown parts with the use of the theorems
discussed.

2. Draw the Napier’s circle.

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1. Place a mark on the given parts in the Napier’s circle this will help
what Napier’s rule to use.
 2. To solve an unknown part, see how it relates to the given parts.
Determine which of three parts the middle part is. Also find out if the
remaining two parts are adjacent or opposite. Decide what rule to use.

Note: Based on the above figure, the right spherical triangle has 3
angles and 3 sides. The 90 or the right angle in a right spherical
triangle is not included in the napier’s circle.

The parts of the right spherical triangle is transferred to the napier s

circle in either clockwise or counter clockwise direction. You can start
on any part of the circle. Just remember that parts opposite of the
right angle are complement parts.(Co or a bar above the part of a
triangle means complement parts)

Any part of the Napier circle can be taken as the middle part
depending on the given parts of the triangle. The two given parts and
the required part must be present in the equation.
If side a is taken as the middle part
Adjacent parts are: Co - B and b
Opposite parts are: Co - c and Co – A

If side b is taken as the middle part

Adjacent parts are: Co - A and a
Opposite parts are: Co - B and Co – c

If side Co - B is taken as the middle part

Adjacent parts are: Co - c and a
Opposite parts are: b and Co – A

If side Co - c is taken as the middle part

Adjacent parts are: Co - A and Co - B
 Opposite parts are: a and b

If side Co - A is taken as the middle part

Adjacent parts are: Co - c and b
Opposite parts are: Co – B and a

Examples:

1. In a right spherical triangle ABC, angle C = 90, side a = 25 20’, side
b = 60 15’ .Find the remaining Parts of the right Spherical Triangles

Given:
angle C = 90
side a = 25 20’
side b = 60 15’
Reqd:
Angle A - less than 90 - since side a is less than 90 (Theorem 1)
Angle B - less than 90 - since side b is less than 90 (Theorem 1)
side c – less than 90 - since side a and side b are less than 90,
then the third side c is also less than 90 (Theorem 2)

Solve for angle A less than 90

To solve for angle A, side a and side b are given, referring to the Napier’s
circle, take b as the middle part. If side b is the middle part, adjacent parts
to side b are a and Co - A. Use rule Napier’s rule 1. (tan - adj).

Sin b = tan a tan (Co – A)

Sin b = tan a cot A

1
Cot A =
tan A
 1
Sin b = tan a
tan A

tan a
Sin b = , express the equation in terms of tan A
tan A

tan a
tan A =
sin b

Substitute:

tan 25 20 ’
tan A =
sin 60 15 ’

0.47341
tan A =
0.86820

tan A = 0.54528

A = tan– (0.54528)

A = 28 36’

Solve for angle B less than 90

To solve for angle B, side a and side b are given, referring to the Napier’s
circle, take a as the middle part. If side a is the middle part, side b which is
given and Co – B the required part are adjacent to a. Use rule Napier’s rule
1. (tan - adj).

Sin a = tan b tan (Co – B)

Sin a = tan b cot B

But:

1
Cot B =
tan B
1
Sin a = tan b
tan B
 tan b
Sin a = , express the equation in terms of tan B
tan B

tan b
tan B =
sin a

Substitute:

tan 60 15 ’
tan B =
sin 25 20 ’

1.74964
tan B =
0.42788

tan B = 4.08905

B = tan– (4.08905)

B = 76 15’

Solve for side c less than 90

To solve for side c, side a and side b are given, referring to the Napier’s
circle, take Co - c as the middle part. If Co - cis the middle part, the given
parts side a and side b are opposite parts of Co – c.. Use rule Napier’s rule 2.
(cos - opp).

Sin co c = cos a cos b

cos c = (cos 25 20’)(cos 60 15’)
cos c = (0.90383)(0.49622)
cos c = (0.44850)

c= cos– (0.44850)

B = 63 21’

2. In a right spherical triangle ABC, angle C = 90, angle A= 115 40’,

side b = 85 15’ .Find the remaining Parts of the right Spherical
Triangles

Given:
 Angle C = 90
angle A= 115 40’
side b= 85 15’

Reqd:

Angle B - less than 90 - since side b is less than 90 (Theorem 1)
side a – greater than 90 - since angle A greater than 90
(Theorem 1)
Angle c - greater than 90 - since side a is greater than 90 and
side bis less than 90 , the third side will be greater than
90 (Theorem 2)

Solve for angle B less than 90

To solve for angle B, side b and angle A are given, referring to the napier’s
circle, take Co- B as the middle part. If Co- B is the middle part, b and Co A
which are the given parts are opposite to the middle part Co – B. A. Use rule
napiers rule s. (cos - opp).

Sin Co - B = cos b cos (Co – A)

Get the complement of sin B and complement of cos A

Sin Co - B = cos B

cos (Co – A) = sin A

cos B = cos b sin A

substitute:

cos B = cos 85 15’ sin 115 40’

cos B = (0.08281) (0.90133)

cos B = 0.07464

B = cos– (0.07464)

B = 85 43’
Solve for side a greater than 90

To solve for side a greater than 90, take b as the middle part since the two
given parts and the unknown parts are adjacent. Side b (given part) is
adjacent to side a (unknown part) and Co – A given part. Use Napier’s rule
1. (tan – adj)

Solution:

Sin b = tan a tan (Co – A)

Sin b = tan a cot A

But:

1
Cot A =
tan A
1
Sin b = tan a
tan A

tan a
Sin b = , express the equation in terms of tan a
tan A

tan a = sin b tan A

Substitute:
tan a = sin 85 15’ tan 115 40’
tan a = (0.99656) (-2.08094)
tan a = (-2.07379)

a = tan– (-2.07379)

a = 64 15’ ( This is not yet the final answer since we are solving

for side a greater than 90)

Since, we are solving for side a greater than 90 because its opposite angle
A is given to be greater than 90. So we are going to get its supplement by
subtracting 64 15’ from 180.

a = 180 - 64 15’

a = 115 45’

Note: 64 15’ and 115 45’ are supplementary

Solve for side c greater than 90

To solve for side c, greater than 90, take Co - A as the middle part since the
two given parts and the unknown parts are adjacent. Side b (given part) and
Co – A (given part) adjacent with each other and to the unkown part side c.
Use napier’s rule 1. (tan – adj)
Solution:
Sin Co – A = tan b tan Co – c
Cos A = tan b cot c

But:

1
Cot c =
tan c
1
Cos A = tan b
tan c

tan b
Cos A = , express the equation in terms of tan c
tan c

tanb
tan c =
cos A

substitute:

tan 8515 ’
tan c =
cos 115 40 ’

12.03462
tan c =
−0.43313
 tan c = -27.78493

c= tan– (-27.78493)

c = 87 56’ (This is not yet the final answer since we are
solving for side c greater than 90)

Since, we are solving for side c greater than 90 (Theorem 2, side b is less
than 90, side a is greater than 90, then the third side must greater than
90. So we are going to get its supplement by subtracting 87 56’from 180.

c = 180 - 87 56’

c = 92 4’

Note: 87 56’ and 92 4’ are supplementary

ISOSCELES/EQUILATERAL SPHERICAL TRIANGLES

Isosceles spherical triangle is a spherical triangle with two sides are equal or
two angles are equal. If two side of the triangle are equal, then the angles
opposite these two equal sides are also equal. If the spherical triangle has
two equal angles, the sides opposite these two equal angles are also equal.

Equilateral spherical triangle is a spherical triangle whose three sides are all
equal. Equilateral triangle is an equiangular triangle, which means all angles
are equal with each other.

The solution of an isosceles and equilateral triangle can be reduced with that
of the solution of a right spherical triangle by drawing an arc of a great circle
that passes through the vertex of the isosceles or equilateral triangle and
the midpoint of the base. This arc divides the triangle into two equal right
triangles.
 C

A B

Example:

Find the remaining parts of an isosceles spherical triangle given the following
parts: side a = side b = 70, angle C = 80.

Reqd: angle A = angle B, and side c.

Solution:

When an arc is drawn from angle C perpendicular to side c, then two equal
right triangles are formed. Then solve for the remaining parts of the right
spherical triangle using Napier’s Rule.

For the formed right spherical triangle, X = 90, a = 70, C/2 = 40

Using Napier’s rule and Napier’s Circle, solve for

Angle B = less than 90 - since side a is less than 90 (Theorem 1)
Angle A - is equal to angle B since side a is equal to side b, then
angle A
side c = less than 90 (Theorem 1)
Solve for angle B less than 90
To solve for angle B, side a and angle C/2 are known, referring to the
Napier’s circle, take Co - a as the middle part. If side Co - a is the middle
part, adjacent parts to side Co - a are Co – B and angle Co -C/2. Use rule
Napier’s rule 1. (tan - adj).

Sin Co - a = tan Co - C/2 tan (Co – B)

1 1
Cos a =
tan C /2 tan B

1
Tan B = tan C cos a
2

substitute

1
Tan B =
tan 40 cos 70

Tan B = 3.48445
–1
B = tan (3.48445)

B = 73 59’

Since side b is equal to side a, then

A = 73 59’

Solve for side c

To solve for side c of the isosceles triangle, solve for side c/2 first since
the isosceles triangle was divided into two equal right triangles. Side c of the
isosceles triangle is twice of side c/2.

Solve for side c/2 less than 90

Since side c/2 is opposite to the known parts angle Co -C/2 and side Co - a,
use Napier’s Rule 2 (Cos – opp)

Sin c/2 = cos Co -C/2 (Cos Co – a)

Sin c/2 = sin C/2 ( sin a)

Substitute:

Sin c/2 = sin 40 (sin 70)

Sin c/2 = (0.64279)(0.93969)

Sin c/2 = 0.60402

–1
c/2 = sin (60402)

c/2 = 3710’

Therefore, side c = 2 (3710’)

c = 74 20’

QUADRANTAL TRIANGLE

A quadrantal triangle is a spherical triangle whose angle is one that is

in the standard position and has a measure that is a multiple
of 90° (or π/2 radians). A quadrantal angle will have its terminal lying
along an x or y axis.

The polar triangle of a quadrantal triangle is a right triangle which can

be solve using the solution of a right spherical triangle.

A quadrantal spherical triangle together with Napier's circle for use in his
mnemonics
A quadrantal spherical triangle is defined to be a spherical triangle in which
one of the sides subtends an angle of π/2 radians at the centre of the
sphere: on the unit sphere the side has length π/2. In the case that the
side c has length π/2 on the unit sphere the equations governing the
remaining sides and angles may be obtained by applying the rules for the
right spherical triangle of the previous section to the polar
triangle A'B'C' with sides a',b',c' such that A' = π−a,  a' = π−A etc.

Example

In a spherical triangle ABC, side c = 90° , side b 115° 30, side a =

98° 45’. Find the remaining parts of the triangle.

Given:

Side c = 90° 

Side b = 115° 30

side A= 98° 45’.

The polar triangle of a quadrantal triangle is computed below

A’ = 180° - a a’ = 180° - A

B’ = 180° - b b’ = 180° - B

C’ = 180° - c c’ = 180° - C

Solve for C’ Solve for B’ Solve for a’

C’ = 180° - c B’ = 180° - b a’ = 180° - A
C’ = 180 ° - 90° B’ = 180° - 115° 30 a’= 180° - 98° 45’
C’ = 90° B’ = 64 30’ a’ = 81° 15’
 Therefore the known parts of the right triangle (polar triangle) are
C’ = 90°
B’ = 64 30’
a’ = 81° 15’

The remaining parts of the polar triangle are c’, b’, and A’. Solve for the
remaining parts of the polar triangle using the solution of a right spherical
tringle, the find the remaining parts of the quadrantal triangle using the
above formula.

OBLIQUE SPHERICAL TRIANGLES

A spherical triangle is defined by three sides with length a, b and c and

three including angles A, B and C.

The sides are segments of great circles and the length of each sides is

defined by an angle. The angles of the sides are measured at the center of
the sphere between the starting and ending "legs" of the great circle
segment (shown red in the picture on the left).

The angles of the triangle A, B and C are measured in the horizontal plane

(on the surface of the sphere) of the vertex points of the spherical triangle.

Notice that since all elements (sides and intersection angles) of the triangle
are defined as angles, the values of these elements do not depend on the
radius of the underlying sphere.

In the next identities the following convention is assumed:

A is the angle opposite to side a, B is the angle opposite to b and C is the
angle opposite to c.

Law of Sines:

sin a sin b sin c

sin A = sin B = sin C

Law of Cosines for Sides:

Cos a = cos b cos c + sin b sin c cos A

Cos b = cos a cos c + sin a sin c cos B
 Cos c = cos a cos b + sin a sin b cos C

Law of Cosines for Angles:

Cos A = - cos B cos C + sin B sin C cos a

Cos B = - cos A cos C + sin A sin C cos b
Cos C = - cos A cos B + sin A sin B cos c

Helpful tips on when to use the Sin Law and Cosine Law

The use of Sin Law is very helpful to solve for the remaining parts of the
oblique spherical triangle if there is a pair given, however, use the Cosine
Law if there is no pair given. If more of the sides are given, then use the
cosine law for sides, if more of the angles are given you may use the cosine
law for angles.

THE SIX CASES OF THE OBLIQUE SPHERICAL TRIANGLE

There are six different cases to consider in solving for the remaining parts of
the oblique spherical triangle and the suggested law to be used.

CASE 1: Three side are given (Use Cosine Law for Sides)

CASE 2: Three angles are given (Use Cosine Law for Angles)

CASE 3: Two sides and the included angle are given (Cosine Law for sides)

CASE 4: Two angles and the included side are given (Cosine Law for Angles)

CASE 5: Two sides and an angle opposite one of them are given
(Sine Law, Cosine Law for Sides, and Cosine Law for Angles)

CASE 6: Two angles and a side opposite one of them are given
(Sine Law, Cosine Law for Sides, and Cosine Law for Angles)

Example: CASE 1: THREE SIDES ARE GIVEN

Find the remaining parts of an oblique spherical triangle ABC where, side a =
55° 20’, side b = 74° 10’, and side c = 100° 30’.
Reqd: Angle A, B and C

To solve for the remaining parts of the oblique spherical triangle, where
three sides are given, use Cosine Law for Sides

Solve for angle A

Solution:

Use the formula

Cos a = cos b cos c + sin b sin c cos A

Using the transformation of formula, express the equation in term of Cos A.

Transpose cos b and cos c to the left side of the equation

Cos a - cos b cos c = sin b sin c cos A

Divide both side of the equation by (sin b sin c)

cos a−cos b cos c

= cos A
sin b sin c
Substitute:

cos 55 °20 ’−cos 74 ° 10 ’ cos 100 ° 30’

Cos A =
sin 74 ° 10 ’sin 100° 30 ’

0.61852
Cos A =
0.94595

Cos A = 0.65386

-1
A = cos (0.65386)

A = 49° 10’

Solve for angle B

Solution:

Use the formula

 Cos b = cos a cos c + sin a sin c cos B

Using the transformation of formula, express the equation in term of Cos B.

Transpose cos a and cos c to the left side of the equation

Cos b - cos a cos c = sin a sin c cos B

Divide both side of the equation by (sin a sin c)

cos b−cos a cos c

= cos B
sin a sin c
Substitute:

cos 74 ° 10’−cos 55° 20 ’ cos 100 ° 30’

Cos B =
sin 55 ° 20’ sin 100° 30 ’

0.37469
Cos B =
0.80870

Cos B = 0.46555

-1
B = cos (0.46555)

B = 62° 15’

Solve for angle C

Solution:

Use the formula

Cos c = cos a cos b + sin a sin b cos C

Using the transformation of formula, express the equation in term of Cos C.

Transpose cos a and cos b to the left side of the equation

Cos c - cos a cos b= sin a sin b cos C

Divide both side of the equation by (sin a sin b)

 cos c−cos a cos b
= cos C
sin asin b
Substitute:

cos 100 °30 ’−cos 55 ° 20’ cos 74 ° 10’

Cos C =
sin55 ° 20 ’sin 74 °10 ’’

−0.33743
Cos C =
0.79127

Cos C = -0.42644

-1
C = cos (-0.42644)

C = 115° 15’

Example: CASE 2: THREE ANGLES ARE GIVEN

Find the remaining parts of an oblique spherical triangle ABC where, angle A
= 125° 20’, angle B = 82° 10’, and angle C = 76° 30’.

Reqd: side a, b, and c

To solve for the remaining parts of the oblique spherical triangle, where
three sides are given, use Cosine Law for Angles

Solve for side a

Solution:

Use the formula

Cos A = - cos B cos C + sin B sin C cos a

Using the transformation of formula, express the equation in term of Cos a.

Transpose –(cos B and cos C) to the left side of the equation

Cos A + cos B cos C = sin B sin C cos a

Divide both side of the equation by (sin B sin C)

 cos A+cos B cos C
= cos a
sin B sin C
Substitute:

cos 125 °20 ’+ cos 82 °10 ’ cos 76 ° 30 ’

Cos a =
sin 82 ° 10 ’sin 76 ° 30’

−0.54652
Cos a =
0.96330

Cos a = -0.56734

-1
a = cos (-0.56734)

a = 124° 34’

Solve for side b

Solution:

Use the formula

Cos B = - cos A cos C + sin A sin C cos b

Using the transformation of formula, express the equation in term of Cos b.

Transpose –(cos A and cos C) to the left side of the equation

Cos B + cos A cos C = sin A sin C cos b

Divide both side of the equation by (sin A sin C)

cos B+cos A cos C

= cos b
sin A sin C
Substitute:

cos 82 °10 ’+ cos 125 ° 20 ’ cos 76 ° 30 ’

Cos b =
sin 125 °20 ’ sin 76 ° 30’

0.00128
Cos b =
0.79326
 Cos b = 0.00162

-1
b = cos (0.00162)

b = 89° 54’

Solve for side c

Solution:

Use the formula

Cos C= - cos A cos B + sin A sin B cos c

Using the transformation of formula, express the equation in term of Cos c.

Transpose –(cos A and cos B) to the left side of the equation

Cos C + cos A cos B = sin A sin B cos c

Divide both side of the equation by (sin A sin B)

cos C+ cos A cos B

= cos c
sin A sin B
Substitute:

cos 76 °30 ’ +cos 125 °20 ’ cos 82° 10 ’

Cos c =
sin 125 °20 ’ sin82 ° 10’

0.15462
Cos c=
0.80819

Cos c = 0.19132

-1
c = cos (0.19132)

c = 78° 58’

Example: CASE 3: TWO SIDES AND AN INCLUDED ANGLE GIVEN

Find the remaining parts of an oblique spherical triangle ABC where, side a =
= 105° 20’, side c = 78° 10’, and angle B = 86° 10’.

Find angle A, angle C, and side b

Solve for side b

Solution:

Use the formula

Cos b = cos a cos c + sin a sin c cos B

Substitute:

Cos b = cos 105° 20’ cos 78° 10’+ sin 105° 20’ sin 78° 10’ cos 86° 10’

Cos b = -0.054226 + 0.063104

Cos b = 0.00888

-1
b = cos (0.00888)

b = 89° 29’

Solve for angle C

Solution:

Since we have already solve for side b, then we can use the sine Law or
Cosine Law in solving for angle C. The pair side b and angle B are already
known, then we can use sine Law

Use the formula

sin b sin c
sin B = sin C

Substitute:
sin 89 ° 29 ’ sin 78° 10 ’
sin 86 ° 10 ’ = sin C
Do cross multiplication and express the equation in terms of sin C

Sin C sin 89° 29’ = sin 86° 10’ sin 78° 10’

Divide both side of the equation by sin 89° 29’

sin 86 °10 ’ sin 78 °10 ’

Sin C =
sin 89 ° 29 ’

Sin C = 0.97660

C = sin -1(0.97660)

C = 77° 35’

Solve for angle A

Solution:

Since we have already solved for side b, then we can use the sine Law or
Cosine Law in solving for angle A. The pair side b and angle B are already
known, pair side c and angle C are also known, then we can use sine Law

Use the formula

sin b sin a
sin B = sin A

Substitute:
sin 89 ° 29 ’ sin 105° 20 ’
sin 86 ° 10 ’ = sin A

Do cross multiplication and express the equation in terms of sin A

Sin A sin 89° 29’ = sin 86° 10’ sin 105° 20’

Divide both side of the equation by sin 89° 29’

 sin 86 °10 ’ sin 105 ° 20 ’
Sin A =
sin 89 °29 ’

Sin A = 0.96228

A = sin -1(0.96228)

A = 74° 13’ = 105° 47’

Example: CASE 4: TWO ANGLES AND AN INCLUDED SIDE GIVEN

Find the remaining parts of an oblique spherical triangle ABC where, angle A
= 84° 20’, Angle C = 70° 10’, and side b = 106° 10’.

Find side a, side c and angle B

Solve for angle B

Solution:

Use the formula

Cos B = -cos A cos C + sin A sin C cos b

Substitute:

Cos B = - cos 84° 20’ cos70° 10’ + sin 84° 20’ sin70° 10’ cos 106° 10’

Cos B= - 0.03350 + (-0.26064)

Cos B = - 0.29414

-1
B = cos (- 0.29414)

B = 107° 6’

Solve for side a

Solution:

Since we have already solved for angle B, then we can use the sine Law or
Cosine Law in solving for side a. The pair side b and angle B are already
known, then we can use sine Law

Use the formula

sin b sin a
sin B = sin A

Substitute:

sin 106° 10 ’ sin a

sin107 ° 6 ’ = sin 84 ° 20 ’

Do cross multiplication and express the equation in terms of sin a

Sin a sin 107° 6’ = sin 106° 10’sin 84° 20’

Divide both side of the equation by sin 107° 6’

sin 106° 10 ’ sin 84 ° 20 ’

Sin a =
sin 107 ° 6 ’

Sin a = 0.99997

a = sin -1(0.99997)

a = 89° 32’

Solve for side c

Solution:

Since we have already solved for angle B, then we can use the sine Law or
Cosine Law in solving for side a. The pair side b and angle B are already
known, then we can use sine Law

Use the formula

 sin b sin c
sin B = sin C
Substitute:

sin 106° 10 ’ sin c

sin107 ° 6 ’
= sin 70° 10 ’

Do cross multiplication and express the equation in terms of sin c

Sin c sin 107° 6’ = sin 106° 10’sin 70° 10’

Divide both side of the equation by sin 107° 6’

sin 106° 10 ’ sin 70 °10 ’

Sin c=
sin 107° 6 ’

Sin c = 0.94527

c = sin -1(0.94527)

C = 70° 57’

Example: CASE 5: TWO SIDES AND AN ANGLE OPPOSITE ONE OF THEM

GIVEN

Case 5 is often called the Ambiguous case because there are three possible
solutions to the problem. The possibilities are:
a. Two solutions
b. One solution
c. No solution
The number of solutions can be determined by the following:
1. There are two solutions when angle A and side a terminate in the
same quadrant and sin c > sin a > sin A sin c.
2. There is no solution when:
a. Angle A and side a terminate in different quadrants
and sin c > sin a or sin c = sin a or sin c = sin a
b. Sin a < sin A sin c
Find the remaining parts of an oblique spherical triangle ABC where, side a =
= 58° 10’, angle B = 78° 10’, and side b = 66° 10’.

Find angle A

Solve for angle A

Solution:

Since there is a pair given (Side b and angle B) then we can use Sine Law

Use the formula

sin b sin a
sin B = sin A
Substitute:

sin 66 °10 ’ sin a

sin 78° 10 ’
= sin A

Do cross multiplication and express the equation in terms of sin A

Sin A sin 66° 10’= sin 78° 10’ sin 58° 10’
Divide both side of the equation by sin 66° 10’

sin 78° 10 ’ sin 58 °10 ’

Sin A =
sin 66 ° 10 ’

Sin A = 0.90905

A= sin -1(0.90905)

A = 65° 22’

Example: CASE 6: TWO ANGLES AND A SIDE OPPOSITE ONE OF THEM

GIVEN
Case 6 also falls under Ambiguous Case. The solution of Case 6 is very
similar to case 5. If the polar triangle of a spherical triangle is constructed
under case 5.
 1. There are two solutions when: Angle A and side a terminate in the
same quadrant and sin C > sin A > sin a sin C.
2. There is no solution when: Angle A and side a terminate in different
quadrants and sin C> sin A or sin C = sin A or sin A < sin a sin C.
3. There is no solution in every other case.

Find the remaining parts of an oblique spherical triangle ABC where, Angle B
= 78° 20’, angle C = 65° 10’, and side c = 56° 10’.

Find side b

Solve for side b

Solution:

Since there is a pair given (Side c and angle C) then we can use Sine Law

Use the formula

sin b sin c
sin B = sin C
Substitute:

sin b sin 56° 10 ’

sin 78° 20 ’
= sin 65° 10 ’

Do cross multiplication and express the equation in terms of sin b

Sin b sin 65° 10’= sin 78° 20’ sin 56° 10’
Divide both side of the equation by sin 66° 10’

sin 78° 20 ’ sin 56 ° 10 ’

Sin b =
sin 66 ° 10 ’

Sin b = 0.88934

b= sin -1(0.88934)
b = 62° 47’