MODULE 9: Oblique Spherical Triangle

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LEARNING OUTCOMES: 1. To determine the definition of Oblique Spherical Triangle

2. To determine six cases in solving Oblique spherical triangle
3. To Determine the different theorems for:
a. Law of Sine for Angles
b. Law of Cosines for Angles
4. Familiarize different Formulas using logarithms:
a. Half Angle Formula
b. Half-Side Formula
c. Napier’s Formula
5. Recognize the great importance of Spherical Trigonometry for the calculations in
astronomy, geodesy and navigation.

LESSON PROPER
Six Different Cases
Law of Sine and Cosine for Angles Spherical triangles are said to be oblique if none of its included angle is 90° or two or three of
Half Angle Formula its included angles are 90°
Half-Side Formula
Napier’s Formula
Delambre’s Formula
THE SIX CASES
There are six cases to be considered in solving oblique spherical triangle. These are as follows:

Case I. Given three sides. (SSS)

Case II. Given three angles. (AAA)
Case III. Given two sides and the included angle. (SAS)
Case IV. Given two angles and the included side. (ASA)
Case V. Given two sides and an angle opposite one of them. (SSA)
Case VI. Given two angles and a side opposite of them. (AAS)

To solve any of the given cases, certain formulas are needed, and these will be developed in the
following sections.

Six Different Cases

Law of Sine and Cosine for THE LAW OF SINES AND COSINES
Angles
Half Angle Formula
Half-Side Formula Law of Sines
Napier’s Formula
Delambre’s Formula
The law of sines for spherical triangle is contained in the following theorem:

Theorem 1. In any spherical triangle ABC, the sines of the sides a, b, and c are proportional to the sines of
the opposite angles A, B, C, that is
sin a sin b sin c
E (6. 1) = =
sin A sin B sin C
PROOF of Theorem 1.

Consider any spherical triangle ABC where A is acute (see Fig. 72) or where A is obtuse
(see Fig73). From C, draw the great circle CD perpendicular to AB (or the extension of AB as in Fig. 73). Let
h be equal to CD.

Figure 9.1 Figure 9.2

Using the right triangle ADC of Fig. 9.1 and applying Napier’s rules with h as the middle part, we get
sin h = cos (co-b) cos (co-A)
sin h = sin b sin A

Using the right triangle BDC (Fig. 9.1) and applying Napier’s rules with has the part we get
sin h = cos (co-a) cos (co-B)
sin h = sin a sin B

Equating (1) and (2), we obtain

sin b sin A = sin a sin B
sin a sin b
or =
sin A sin B

Similarly, by drawing a great circle arc (Fig. 9.1) from A to BC and following the procedure above, we get
sin b sin c
=
sin B sin C

Combining (3) and (4), we obtain E (6.1). This relation is used to find an angle in Case V and to find
a side in Case VI.it is principally used as a check formula to verify the results obtained in cases I, II, III, IV.
The student is encouraged to obtain E (6.1) from Fig. 9.2

Example. Given an oblique spherical triangle ABC with B = 80°, b =70° and a = 65°, find A.

Solution.

From the law of sines, we have

sin a sin b sin a sin B
= or sin A =
sin A sin B sin b

Substituting the given values, we get

sin 65° sin 80°
sin A =
70°
(0.90631) (0.98481)
=
0.93969
= 0.94983
A = 71°46.4’ or 108°13.6’

There are two permissible values of A since sin A is positive whether A is in the first or second
quadrant. However, we must decide which of these values is the required value of A. therefore, we select
A = 71°46.4’ and reject the value of 108°13.6’.
Law of Cosines for Sides
The law of cosines for sides is obtained in the following theorem:

Theorem 2. In any spherical triangle ABC, the cosine of any side is equal to the product the cosine of the
other two sides increased by the product of the sines of these two sides and the cosine
of the angle included between these sides. Symbolically, we write

E (6. 2) cos a = cos b cos c + sin b sin c cos A

E (6. 3) cos b = cos a cos c + sin a sin c cos B
E (6. 4) cos c = cos a cos b + sin a sin b cos C

PROOF of Theorem 2.

Consider again the spherical triangle ABC is Fig. 9.2. Let m = AD. Then DB = c – m. applying
Napier’s rules to the right triangle ADC, we get the following:

cos b
cos m = (1)
cos h
sin m = cot A tan h (2)
sin h = sin b sin A (3)

Applying Napier’s rules to triangle BDC, we have

sin (co-a) = cos h cos (c – m)
cos a = cos h (cos c cos m + sin c sin m)
(4) cos a = cos h cos c cos m + cos h sin c sin m

Substituting (1) and (2) in (4), we get

(5) cos a = cos b cos c + sin c cot A sin h

Finally, substituting (3) in 5 and simplifying, we get E (6. 2). The student may derive E (6. 3) and E (6. 4).

Example. Given a spherical triangle ABC with a = 55°, b = 60° and c = 48°, find A.

Solution.
From E (6. 2), we have
cos a−cos b cos c
cos A =
sin b sin c
cos 55°−cos 60° cos 48°
cos A = Substituting the given values, we get
sin 60° sin 48°
(0.57358) − (0.50000) (0.66913)
= (0.86603) (0.74315)
= 0.37138
A = 68°12’

Law of Cosines for Angles

The following relations constitute the law of cosines for angles:
E (6. 5) cos A = - cos B cos C + sin B sin C cos a
E (6. 6) cos B = - cos A cos C + sin A sin C cos b
E (6. 7) cos C = - cos A cos B + sin A sin B cos c

We shall illustrate how to derive E (6. 5). Let triangle A’B’C’ be the polar triangle of a spherical
triangle ABC. Applying E (6. 2) to A’B’C’, we obtain
cos a’ = cos b’ cos c’ + sin b’ sin c’ cos A’

by T2, we have
a’ = 180° - A c’ = 180° - C
b’ = 180° - B A’ = 180° - a
Substituting these values in the equation above, we have
cos (180° - A) = cos (180° - B) cos (180° - C) + sin (180° - B) sin (180° - C) cos (180° - a)
- cos A = (- cos B) (- cos C) + sin B sin C (- cos a)
cos A = - cos B cos C + sin B sin C cos a

Which is E (6. 5). The student may derive E (6. 6) and E (6. 7) by employing the same approach illustrated
above.

Example. Given the spherical triangle ABC with A = 95°, B = 84° and c = 100°, find C.

Solution.

To find C, we use E (6. 7). Thus

cos C = - cos A cos B + sin A sin B cos c
= - cos 95° cos 84° + sin 95° sin 85° cos 100°
= - 0.16293
C = 99°22.6’
 Activity Sheet 9.1

Name: Date:
Course, Year, Section: Professor:

I. In the given exercises, the given values refer to a spherical triangle ABC. Find the required part by using the appropriate law.
(Use a separate sheet of paper for your solutions),

1. Given: A = 75°, a = 85°, C = 65°

Find: c

2. Given: A = 96°13’, C = 45°34’, c = 27°20’

Find: a

3. Given: B = 154°48’, b = 148°42’, c = 99°6’

Find: C

4. Given: A = 136°, B = 29°, b = 23°

Find: A

5. Given: a = 85°40’, b = 54°20’, C = 118°50’

Find: c

6. Given: b = 78°’ c = 39°, A = 100°

Find: a

7. Given: a = 67°, b = 78°, C = 35°

Find: A

8. Given A = 82°, C = 78°, b = 50°

Find: B

9. Given: a = 62°14’, b = 103°53’, c = 82°25’

Find: A

10. Given A =121°26’, B = 33°42’, C = 38°26’

Find: a
 Six Different Cases
Law of Sine and Cosine for Angles
DIFFERENT FORMULAS USING LOGARITHMS
Half Angle Formula

HALF-ANGLE FORMULAS
Half-Side Formula
Napier’s Formula
Delambre’s Formula

The law of cosines (for angles or sides) is sufficient for the solution of any spherical triangle
so long as three parts are given. For example, if the given parts are a, b, and C, we can use E (6.4) to find c;
then use E (6.2) and E (6.3) to find A and B respectively. However, the law of cosines is not well adapted to
logarithmic computation. For this reason, we deem it necessary to develop other formulas with which
logarithms can be used efficiently.

Consider the relation given by E (6.2). Solving for cos A, we have

cos a−cos b cos c
cos A =
sin b sin c

Subtracting each side of equation (1) from 1, we get

cos a − cos b cos c
1 – cos A = 1 –
sin b sin c
cos b cos c + sin b sin c − cos a
=
sin b sin c
−2 sin ½ (b−c+a) sin ½ (b−c−a)
=
sin b sin c
2 sin ½ (a+b−c) sin ½ (a+c−b)
=
sin b sin c

Adding each side of equation (1) to 1, we have

cos a − cos b cos c
1 + cos A = 1 +
sin b sin c
cos a − (cos b cos c − sin b sin c)
=
sin b sin c
2 sin ½ (a+b+c) sin ½ (a−b−c)
=
sin b sin c
2 sin ½ (a+b+c) sin ½ (b+b−a)
= (3)
sin b sin c

Let s = ½ (a + b + c) (4)

Then s-a = ½ (b + c – a) (5)

s-b = ½ (a + c – b) (6)

s-c = ½ (a + b – c) (7)

Substituting (6) and (7) in (2), we get

2 sin (s−c) sin (s−a)
1 – cos A = (8)
sin b sin c

Substituting (4) and (5) in (3), we get

2 sin s sin (s−a)
1 + cos A = (9)
sin b sin c

From the trigonometry, we know that

1−cos A
tan ½ A = √ (10)
1+cos A

Substituting (8) and (9) in (10), we get

sin (s −b) sin (s −c)
tan ½ A = √ (11)
sin s sin(s − a)

Equation (11) may be written in the form

1 sin (s−a) sin (s−b) sin (s−c)
tan ½ A = √ (12)
sin(s−a) sin s
If we define
sin(s−a) sin(s−b) sin(s−c)
E (6.8) r = √
sin s
 Then equation (12) simplifies to
r
E (6.9) tan ½ A =
sin (s−a)

By a cyclic change of letters, we obtain

r
E (6.10) tan ½ B =
sin (s−b)
r
E (6.11) tan ½ C =
sin(s−c)
Formula E (6.9) to E (6.11) are called half-angle formulas and are usually used to solve case I.

Six Different Cases

Law of Sine and Cosine for Angles
HALF SIDE FORMULAS
Half Angle Formula The following relations are called half-side formulas and are commonly used in solving case II.
Half-Side Formula R
Napier’s Formula E (6.12) cot ½ a =
Delambre’s Formula cos (S−A)
R
E (6.13) cot ½ b =
cos (S−B)
R
E (6.14) cot ½ c =
cos (S−C)

Where we define
cos(S−A) cos(S−B)cos(S−C)
E (6.15) R = √ and S = ½ (A + B + C)
− cos S
The procedure in deriving E6.12) is quite similar to that used in obtaining E (6.9). the
proof is given below but with much of the computational aspects omitted.

From E (6.5), we get

cos A + cos B cos C
cos a = (1)
sin B sin C

Then, we have
2 cos ½ (A+B+C) cos ½ (B+C−A)
1 – cos a = (2)
sin B sin C

−2 cos ½ (A+B−C) cos ½ (A+C−B)

1 + cos a = (3)
sin B sin C

Let S = ½ (A + B + C) (4)

Then S – A = ½ (B + C – A) (5)

S – B = ½ (A + C – B) (6)

S – C = ½ (A + B – C) (7)

Substituting (4) and (5) in (2), we get

2 cos S cos(S−A)
1 – cos a = (8)
sin B sin C

Substituting (6) and (7) in (3), we get

−2 cos (S−C) cos(S−B)
1 + cos a = (9)
sin B sin C

But we know that

1+cos a
cot ½ a = √ (10)
1−cos a

Substituting (8) and (9) in (10), we get

−1 cos(S−A) cos(S−B)
cot ½ a = √ or
cos S cos(S−A)

1 cos(S−A) cos(S−B) cos(S−C)

cot ½ a = √ (11)
cos(S−A) − cos S
 now if we let
cos(S−A) cos(S−B) cos(S−C)
R=√
− cos S

Then equation (11) reduces to E (6.12). Note that

– cos S = cos (180° – S)

Six Different Cases

NAPIER’S ANALOGIES
Law of Sine and Cosine for Angles
Half Angle Formula
Half-Side Formula Some formulas known as Napier’s analogies are well adapted to logarithmic calculations. Such
Napier’s Formula formulas are used to solve spherical tringles belonging to cases III, IV, V and VI. We shall derive in this
Delambre’s Formula
section one of Napier’s analogies.

Dividing E (6.9) by E (6.10), we get

tan ½ A sin(s−b)
= (1)
tan ½ B sin(s−a)

Subtracting 1 from each side of (1), we have

tan ½ A sin(s−b)
– 1= –1
tan ½ B sin(s−a)
tan ½ A−tan ½ B sin(s−b) sin(s−a)
Or = (2)
tan ½ B sin(s−a)

Likewise, adding 1 to both sides of (1), we get

tan ½ A+tan ½ B sin(s−b) + sin(s−a)
= (3)
tan ½ B sin(s−a)

Dividing (2) by (3),

tan ½ A−tan ½ B sin(s−b) − sin(s−a)
=
tan ½ + tan ½ B sin(s−b) + sin(s−a)
sin ½ A sin ½ B
− 2 cos ½ (2 s−a−b) − sin½(a−b)
cos ½ A cos ½B
sin½ A sin ½ B =
+ 2 sin ½ (2 s−a−b) − cos½(a−b)
cos½ A cos ½B
sin ½ A cos ½ B − cos ½ A sin ½ B
= cot ½ c tan ½ (a – b)
sin ½ A cos ½ B + cos ½ A sin ½ B

From which we finally obtain

cos ½ (A−B) tan ½ (a+b)
E (6.17) =
cos ½ (A+B) tan ½ c
sin ½ (a−b) tan ½ (A−B)
E (6.18) =
sin ½ (a+b) tan ½ C
cos ½ (a−b) tan ½ (A+B)
E (6.19) =
cos ½ (a+b) cot ½ C

By applying cyclic changes of the letters in the above formulas, we get 8more formulas or a
total of 12 formulas called Napier’s analogies. For example, replacing B by C and c by b in E (6.16), we obtain
the formula
sin ½ (A−C) tan ½ (a−c)
=
cos ½ (A+C) tan ½ b

The student is urged to write out all the remaining formulas for his immediate reference.

Six Different Cases

DELAMBRE’S FORMULA
Law of Sine and Cosine for Angles The four formulas listed below are called Delambre’s formulas (also called Gauss’s Formulas).
Half Angle Formula
Half-Side Formula These formulas are usually used for checking the solutions of spherical triangles since each of them
Napier’s Formula
Delambre’s Formula
involves all six parts of the triangle. Other forms of Delambre’s formulas may be obtained by changing
the letter in the given formulas cyclically.
𝐬𝐢𝐧 ½ (𝐚−𝐜) 𝐬𝐢𝐧 ½ (𝐀−𝐁)
E (6.20) =
𝐬𝐢𝐧 ½ 𝐜 𝐜𝐨𝐬 ½ 𝐂
𝐬𝐢𝐧 ½ (𝐚+𝐛) 𝐬𝐢𝐧 ½ (𝐀−𝐂)
E (6.21) =
𝐬𝐢𝐧 ½ 𝐜 𝐬𝐢𝐧 ½ 𝐂
𝐜𝐨𝐬 ½ (𝐚−𝐛) 𝐬𝐢𝐧 ½ (𝐀+𝐁)
E (6.22) =
𝐜𝐨𝐬 ½ 𝐜 𝐜𝐨𝐬 ½ 𝐂
𝐜𝐨𝐬 ½ (𝐚+𝐛) 𝐜𝐨𝐬 ½ (𝐀+𝐁)
E (6.23) =
𝐜𝐨𝐬 ½ 𝐜 𝐜𝐨𝐬 ½ 𝐂
 To drive E (6.20), we shall start with two relations which we have obtained in section 6.5, i.e.
2 sin (s−c) sin (s−b)
1 – cos A = (1)
sin b sin c

2 sin s sin (s−a)

1 + cos A = (2)
sin b sin c

Also, in plane trigonometry, we have the following identities:

1 – cos A = 2 sin2 ½ A (3)

1 + cos A = 2 cos2 ½ A (4)

Substituting (3) and (4) in (1) and (2) respectively and taking the positive square roots, we get
sin(s−c) sin(s−b)
sin ½ A = √ (5)
sin b sin c
sin s sin (s−a)
cos ½ A = √ (6)
sin b sin c

Similarly, it can be shown that

sin(s−c) sin(s−a)
sin ½ B = √ (7)
sin a sin c
sin s sin(s−b)
cos ½ B = √ (8)
sin a sin c
sin(s−a) sin(s−b)
sin ½ C = √ (9)
sin a sin b
sin s sin (a−c)
cos ½ B = √ (10)
sin a sin b

Substituting (5), (6), (7) and (8) in the identity

sin ½ (A - B) = sin ½ A cos ½ B – cos ½ A sin ½ B

and simplifying the right side of the resulting equation, we get

sin ½ (a−b)
sin ½ (A – B) = cos ½ C
sin ½ c

Finally, dividing both sides by cos ½ C, we obtain formula E (6.20).

SOLUTIONS OF 6 CASES IN SOLVING OF OBLIQUE TRIANGLE

1. Solution of Case I
When three sides are given, we may solve the triangle by means of the half-angle formulas and
the results may be checked by the law of sines. The logarithmic computation for this case is given below.

Example 1. Solve the spherical triangle ABC with A= 49°43’, b = 56°27’ and c = 70°24’.

Solution.

The required parts are angles A, B and C. We know that s = ½ (a + b+ c) or 2s = a + b+ c.

Hence,
a = 49°43’ s – a = 38°34’
b = 56°27’ s – b = 31°50’
c = 70°24’ s – c = 17°53’
2s = 176°34’
s = 88°17’

From E (6.8) we have

sin(s−a) sin(s−b) sin(s−c)
r2 =
sin s
 2log r = log sin (s - a) + log sin (s – b) + log sin (s – c) – log sin s
log sin (s – a) = 9.79478 – 10
log sin (s – b) = 9.72218 – 10
log sin (s – c) = 9.48725 – 10
29.00421 – 30

log sin s = 9.99981 – 10

2log r = 19.00440 – 20
log r = 9.50220 – 10
r
By E (6.9): tan ½ A =
sin(s−a)
log tan ½ A = log r – log sin (s – a)
log r = 9.50220 – 10
log sin(s-a) = 9.79478 – 10
log tan ½ A = 9.70742 – 10
½ A = 27°0.81’.
A = 54°1.6’
r
By E (6.10): tan ½ B =
sin(s−b)
log tan ½ B = log r – log sin (s – b)
log r = 9.50220 – 10
log sin (s – b) = 9.72218 – 10
log tan ½ B = 9.788002 – 10
½ B = 31ᵒ4.4’
B = 62ᵒ8.8’
r
By: E (6.11): tan ½ C =
sin(s−c)
log tan ½ C = log r – log sin (s – c)
log r = 9.50220 – 10
log sin (s – c) = 9.48725 – 10
log tan ½ C = 0.01495
½ C = 45ᵒ59’
C = 91ᵒ58’

sin a sin b sin c

Checking. Let Q= = =
sin A sin B sin C
log Q = log sin a – log sin A
= log sin b – log sin B
= log sin c – log sin C

log sin a = 9.88244 – 10

log sin A = 9.90810 – 10
log Q = 9.97434 – 10

log sin c = 9.97408 – 10

log sin C = 9.99974 – 10
log Q = 9.97434 -10

log sin b = 9.92086 – 10

log sin B = 9.94652 – 10
log Q = 9.97434 – 10
2. Solution of Case II
When three angles are given, we may use the half-side formulas to solve the spherical triangle
and check the solution by the law of sines.

Example 2. Solve the spherical triangle ABC given that A = 102ᵒ, B = 84ᵒ and C = 72ᵒ.

Solution.

We are asked to find the sides a, b, and c. Since, S = ½ (A + B+ C), then 2S = A+ B + C.

A = 102ᵒ S-A = 27ᵒ

B = 84ᵒ S-B = 45ᵒ
C = 72ᵒ S-C = 57ᵒ
2S = 258ᵒ
S = 129ᵒ

From E (6.15), we have

cos(S−A) cos(S−B) cos(S−C)
R2 =
− cos S

Where: – cos S = cos (180ᵒ – S)

log cos (S-A) = 9.94988 – 10
log cos (S-B) = 9.84949 – 10
log cos (S-C) = 9.74611 – 10
29.53548 – 10
log cos (180-S) = 9.79887 – 10
2log R = 19.73661 – 10
log R = 9.86831 – 10

R
By E (6.12): cot ½ a =
cos(S−A)
log R = 9.86831 – 10
log cos (S-A) = 9.94988 – 10
log cot ½ a = 9.91843 – 10
½ a = 50ᵒ20.9’
a = 100ᵒ41.8’

R
By E (6.12): cot ½ b =
cos(S−B)
log R = 9.86831 – 10
log cos (S-B) = 9.84949 – 10
log cot ½ b = 0.01882 – 10
½ b = 43ᵒ45.5’
b = 87ᵒ31’

R
By E (6.12): cot ½ c =
cos(S−C)
log R = 9.86831 – 10
log cos (S-C) = 9.73611 – 10
log cot ½ a = 0.13220 – 10
½ a = 36ᵒ25.7’
a = 72ᵒ49.4’

Checking. (Same as in Case I)

Case II may also be solved by applying the half-angle formulas to the polar triangle A’B’C’ of the
given spherical triangle ABC. In using the half-angle formulas, every letter should be written with an
apostrophe. The computational outline of the problem above is given below and the student may perform
the logarithmic computation.
 s' = ½ (a’ + b’ + c’)
or 2s’ = a’ + b’ + c’
a’ = s’ – a’ =
b’ = s’ – b’ =
c’ = s’ – c’ =
2s’ =
S’ =
sin(s′ −a′ ) sin(s′ −b′) sin(s′ −c′ )
r2 =
sin s′
log sin (s’ – a’) =
log sin (s’ – b’) =
log sin (s’ – c’) =
log sin s’ =
2log r’ =
log r’ =
r
tan ½ A’ =
sin(s −a′ )
′

log r’ =
log sin (s’-a’) =
log tan ½ A’ =
½ A’ =
A’ =
a = 180 – A’ =

3. Solution of Case III

When two sides and included angle are given, we first choose two Napier’s analogies to find the
two unknown angels and then select another of the remaining analogies to find the unknown side. The
solution may be checked by the law of sines.

Example 3. Solve the spherical triangle ABC given that b = 38°43.4’ and A = 72°36.8’

Solution:

Note that c > b

c + b = 91°2’ ½(c + b) = 45°31′

c - b = 14°24.8’ ½(c − b) = 7°12.4′
½ A = 36°18.4′

To find B and C, use following analogies:

cos ½(c−b) tan ½(C+B)

(1) cos ½(c+b)
=
cot ½A
sin ½(c−b) tan ½(C−B)
(2) cos ½(c+b)
=
cot ½A

To find a, we may use

sin ½(C+B) tan ½(c−b)
(3) sin ½(C+B)
=
tan ½a

Using equation (1):

log cos ½ (c – b) = 9.99656 – 10

log cot ½ A = 10.13386-10
= 20.13042-20
log cos ½ (c + b) = 9.84553– 10
log tan ½ (C+B) = 10.28489-10
½ (C+B) = 62°34.4’
Using equation (2):

log sin ½ (c – b) = 9.09847 – 10

log cot ½ A = 9.10191 – 10
= 19.23233 – 20
log sin ½ (c + b) = 9.85337 – 10
log tan ½ (C – B) = 9.37896 – 10
½ (C – B) = 13°27.5’

Using equation (3):

log sin ½ (C + B) = 9.94822 – 10
log tan ½ (c – b) = 9.10191 – 10
= 19.05013 – 10
log sin ½ (C – B) = 9.36687 – 10
log tan ½ a = 9.68326 – 10
½ a = 25°44.7’
a = 51°29.4’

4. Solution of Case IV
When two angles and that included side are given, we also choose the appropriate pair of
Napier’s analogies to find the two unknown sides and then use another Napier’s analogy to find the
unknown angle. The results may be checked by the law of sines. The solution for this case is very similar
to that of Case III. For example, if A, B and c are given, we select E (6.16) and E (6.17) to find the sides a and
b. To find angle C, we use either E (6.18) or E (6.19).

5. Solution of Case V
When two sides and an angle opposite one of them are given, the following steps may be used
to solve the spherical triangle:

(1) Use the law of sines to find an angle.

sin b sin a
For example, if a, b, and A are given, angle B may be found by sin B =
sin a
Note that is sin B > 1, then no solution exists. If sin B = 1, then B = 90° and there is a unique
solution, i.e., a right triangle. If sin B < 1, then there are two possible values of B, namely,
the tabular value B and the supplementary value 180 – B. hence, there may be at most
two solutions. To determine the number of solutions, we use the theorem that if B > A,
then b > a.

(2) With the computed value in step (1), determine the appropriate forms of Napier’s
analogies to find the remaining angles and required side.
Let us go back to our discussion in step (1). With a, b, and A given and B already
computed, we can find c by using either E (6.16) or E (6.17). To find angle C, we may use
either E (6.18) or E (6.19).

(3) Check the results by one of Delambre’s formulas.

Example. Solve spherical triangle ABC given that b = 148°42’, c = 99°56’ and B = 154°48’.

Solution.

The required parts are a, A and C. base on the given parts, the appropriate formulas to use in this problem
re listed below.

From the law of sines:

sin c sin B
sin = (1)
sin b
 From Napier’s analogies (note that b > c):
sin ½ (C + B) tan ½ (b − c)
tan ½a = (2)
sin ½ (b − c)
sin ½ (b + c) tan ½ (B − C)
cot ½A = (3)
sin ½ (b − c)

Check: (From Delambre’s formulas)

sin ½ (b − c) sin ½ (B − C)
Let Q = = (4)
sin ½ a cos ½ A

Logarithmic computation:
Taking the logarithms of both members of (1) and arranging the data in column, we have
log sin c = 9.99344 – 10
log sin B = 9.62918 – 10
19.62262 – 20
log sin b = 9.71560 – 10
log sin C = 9.90702 – 10
C = 53°49.8’ or 126°10.2’

Since b > c, then B > C. both values of C satisfy this requirement and therefore, both are
admissible values. Let C1 = 53°49.8’ and C2 = 126°10.2’. Then:

b + c = 248°38’ ½ (b + c) = 124°19’
b – c = 48°46’ ½ (b – c) = 24°23’
B + C1 = 208°37.8’ ½ (B + C1) = 104°18.9’
B – C1 = 100°58.2’ ½ (B – C1) = 50°29.1’
B + C2 = 280°58.2’ ½ (B + C2) = 140°29.1’
B – C2 = 28°37.8’ ½ (B – C2) = 14°18.9’

From equations (2) and (3):

log sin ½ (B + C1) = 9.98630 – 10
log tan ½ (b – c) = 9.65636 – 10
19. 64266 – 20
log sin ½ (B – C1) = 9.88731 – 10
log tan ½ a1 = 9.75535 – 10
½ a1 = 29°39.2’
a1 = 59°18.4’

log sin ½ (b + c) = 9.91695 – 10

log tan ½ (B – C1) = 10.08366 – 10
20.00061 – 20
log sin ½ (b – c) = 9.61578 – 10
log cot ½ A1 = 10.38483 – 10
½ A1 = 22°24.3’
A1 = 44°48.6’

log sin ½ (B + C2) = 9.80365 – 10

log tan ½ (b – c) = 9.65636 – 10
19.46001 – 20
log sin ½ (B – C2) = 9.39314 – 10
log tan ½ a2 = 10.06687 – 10
½ a2 = 49°23.6’
a2 = 98°47.2’
log sin ½ (b + c) = 9.91695 – 10
log tan ½ (B – C2) = 9.40684 – 10
19.32379 – 20
log sin ½ (b – c) = 9.61578 – 10
log cot ½ A2 = 9.70801 – 10
½ A2 = 62°57.3’
A2 = 125°54.6’
Checking. From equation (4),

log sin ½ (b – c) = 9.61578 – 10 log sin ½ (B – C1) = 9.88731 – 10

log sin ½ a1 = 9.69439 – 10 log cos ½ A1 = 9.964591 – 10
log Q = 9.92139 – 10 log Q = 9.92140 – 10

log sin ½ (b – c) = 9.61578 – 10 log sin ½ (B – C2) = 9.39314 – 10

log sin ½ a2 = 9.88035 – 10 log cos ½ A2 = 9.965772 – 10
log Q = 9.73543 – 10 log Q = 9.73542 – 10

6. Solution of Case VI
The method of solving this case is similar to that of Case V. In the example below, the student is
urged to continue the numerical work of the solution.

Example 6. Solve the spherical triangle ABC given that a = 136°10’, B = 29° and A = 121°20’

Solution.

To find the required pars (b, c, and C), we may use the following formulas:

From the law of sines:

sin a sin B
sin b =
sin A

From Napier’s analogies: (A > B)

sin ½ (A + B) tan ½ (a − b)
tan ½c =
sin ½ (A − B)
sin ½ (a + b) tan ½ (A − B)
cot ½C =
sin ½ (a − b)

Checking. (from Delambre’s formula)

sin ½ (a − b) sin ½ (A − B)
=
sin ½ c cos ½ C

Logarithmic computation:
log sin a = 9.84046 – 10
log sin B = 9.68557 – 10
19.52603 – 20
log sin A = 9.93154 – 10
log sin b = 9.59449 – 10
b = 23°8.8’ or 156°51.2’

Note: Since A > B, then we should have a > b. Only the tabular value (i.e., b = 23°8.8’) satisfies this condition.
Hence, there is only one solution. We reject 156°51.2’.

a+b= ½ (a + b) =
a–b= ½ (a – b) =
A+B= ½ (A + B) =
A–B= ½ (A – B) =
log sin ½ (A + B) =
log tan ½ (a – b) =
log sin ½ (A – B) =
log tan ½ c =
½c=
c=
log sin ½ (a + b) =
log tan ½ (A – B) =
log sin ½ (a – b) =
log cot ½ C =
½C=
C=
 Activity Sheet 9.2

Name: Date:
Course, Year, Section: Professor:

I. Case 1: Solve the spherical triangle ABC given the following measurements. (Use an extra sheet of paper for your solutions)

1. a = 55ᵒ b = 60ᵒ c = 48ᵒ

2. a = 50ᵒ b = 70ᵒ c = 65ᵒ
3. a = 29ᵒ22’ b = 14ᵒ33’ c = 36ᵒ51’
4. a = 125ᵒ40’ b = 65ᵒ30’ c = 77ᵒ16’
5. a = 108ᵒ56’ b = 58ᵒ35’ c = 122ᵒ16’
6. a = 124ᵒ35’ b = 53ᵒ56’ c = 98ᵒ51’
7. a = 46ᵒ11.4’ b = 74ᵒ15.4’ c = 86ᵒ10.8’
8. a = 51ᵒ43.3’ b = 38ᵒ2.4’ c = 75ᵒ11.5’
9. a = 88ᵒ24’ b = 46ᵒ46’ c = 65ᵒ35’
10. a = 30ᵒ34’ b = 115ᵒ12’ c = 95ᵒ24’

II. Case 2: Solve the spherical triangle ABC given the following measurements. (Use an extra sheet of paper for your solutions)
11. A = 80°30´ B = 65°10´ C = 48°50’
12. A = 74°21´ B = 83°41´ C = 58°39’
13. A = 83°24´ B = 75°43´ C = 135°56’
14. A = 112°38´ B = 42°17´ C = 57°13’
15. A = 51°24.3’ B = 68°36.9’ C = 75°42.2’
16. A = 45°24.6´ B = 71°46.4’ C = 100°3.8’

III. Case 2: Solve the spherical triangle ABC by applying the half-angle formulas to its polar triangle A’B’C’. (Use an extra sheet of
paper for your solutions)
17. A = 128°4.2´ B = 51°34.2´ C = 73°14.6’
18. A = 124°47.3´ B = 75°25.5´ C = 87°43.6’
19. A = 140°59´ B = 42°21´ C = 58°39’
20. A = 34°23´ B = 119°37´ C = 38°43’
21. A = 59°4.4’ B = 94°23.2’ C = 120°4.8’

IV. Case 3: Solve the spherical triangle ABC given the following measurements. (Use an extra sheet of paper for your solutions)
22. a = 56°29´ b = 20°17´ C = 144°20’
23. a = 41°5.1´ b = 44°25.4´ C = 37°29.2’
24. b = 120°30.5´ c = 70°20.3´ A = 50°10.2’
25. b = 57°54´ c = 115°31´ A = 103°59’
26. a = 77°29’ c = 52°27’ B = 63°46’
27. a = 42°16.5´ c = 76°43.7’ B = 110°26’
28. a = 88°21´ b = 124°7´ C = 50°2’
29. a = 50°2´ b = 37°42´ C = 88°12’
30. b = 67°8.4´ c = 92°7.6´ A = 107°43.3’
31. a = 95°34´ c = 65°57´ B = 134°7’

V. Case 4: Solve the spherical triangle ABC given the following measurements. (Use an extra sheet of paper for your solutions)
32. A = 110°51´ B = 48°56´ c = 38°46’
33. A = 94°23´ B = 120°5´ c = 50°12’
34. A = 74°48´ C = 62°18´ b = 132°16’
35. A = 61°18´ C = 73°11´ b = 41°35’
36. B = 97°26’ C = 65°33’ a = 99°41’
37. B = 108°28´ C = 38°11’ a = 52°29’
38. A = 58°14´ B = 75°28´ c = 63°42’
39. A = 131°34.8´ C = 77°17.8´ b = 46°18.7’
40. B = 36°6.8´ C = 129°58.6´ a = 47°29.3’
VII. Case 5: Solve the spherical triangle ABC given the following measurements. (Use an extra sheet of paper for your solutions)
41. a = 59°18´ c = 99°56´ C = 53°50’
42. a = 64°23´ b = 99°41´ B = 95°38’
43. a = 30°38´ b = 31°29´ A = 87°53’
44. a = 51°14´ b = 69°36´ A = 43°38’
45. b = 48°52’ c = 76°43’ B = 36°38’
46. a = 60°44.4’ b = 20°18.2’ A = 40°20.4’
47. a = 52°45.3´ b = 71°12.7´ B = 59°24.4’
48. b = 59°12.1´ c = 135°46.8´ C = 133°14.7’
49. a = 26°29.5´ c = 144°39.4´ C = 106°26.8’
50. a = 115°44.2´ b = 102°40.5´ A = 116°1.8’

VIII. Case 6: Solve the spherical triangle ABC given the following measurements. (Use an extra sheet of paper for your solutions)
51. A = 137°39´ C = 100°17´ c = 117°12’
52. A = 64°34´ B = 119°54´ b = 112°16’
53. A = 73°11´ B = 61°51´ a = 46°46’
54. A = 58°52´ C = 73°31´ a = 62°14’
55. A = 61°37.9’ B = 139°54.6’ b = 150°17.4’
56. B = 36°27.5’ C = 47°12.2’ b = 41°58.3’
57. A = 142°47.3´ C = 99°46.1´ a = 155°48.3’
58. A = 50°30.2´ B = 135°5.5´ a = 70°20.4’
59. B = 22°34.8´ C = 101°16´ c = 50°36.6’
60. A = 50°12.3´ C = 58°14.7´ a = 161°54.7’