This is called the ambiguous case. A unique triangle is not always determined. The possible
solutions depend on whether the given angle is acute or obtuse. When the angle is acute, five
possible solutions exist. When the angle is obtuse, three possible solutions exist.
. Five
1.
If the side opposite the given angle, b , is shorter than the other given
side, then
< 1 , and one triangle is determined.
Each of these five case is illustrated below.
1.
If the side opposite the given angle is less than the other given side
( b =a ), then arcsin(
) + B = 180 , so there is no solution, and, again,
no triangle is determined.
3.
If the side opposite the given angle is greater than the other given
side, then exactly one triangle is determined. These cases are illustrated
below.
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