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NSWMaths AdvancedQuick questions

Year 12: Trigonometric Functions

Quick questions on Triangle trigonometry for HSC Maths Advanced: sine rule, cosine rule, area rule, elevation and depression, bearings and 3D applications

5short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.

What is the cosine rule?
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When you cannot form a complete pair, the cosine rule takes over. For a side from two sides and the included angle (SAS):
What is the area rule?
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The area of any triangle from two sides and the angle between them:
What are three-dimensional applications?
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Three-dimensional problems look intimidating but are solved by the same two rules, applied to a flat triangle you isolate from the solid. The whole skill is choosing the right plane:
What is sign slip with an obtuse angle in the cosine rule?
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For an angle between 90°90\degree and 180°180\degree, cos\cos is negative, so the term 2abcosC-2ab\cos C becomes a positive number you add.
What is wrong calculator mode?
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Maths Advanced triangle work is in degrees, not radians. A radian-mode answer is wildly wrong.

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