Using the Cosine Rule: When Do You Get 2 Answers?

[thomas49th]

Hi, I recall that when you use the cosine rule you can sometimes come out with 2 answers (somthing to do with cos graph?). I can't qutie remeber and I've looked through my books and I can't find it. I can use the rule to calculate one side or angle, but when do you get 2 answers? Can someone please explain.

Thankyou
:)

 

[danago]

I think its called the "Ambiguous case". Not 100% sure though.

 

[thomas49th]

Thanks but I just checked and that's with sin rule :(

 

[danago]

Oh ok, my mistake then. Guess it was worth a shot anyway :P

 

[thomas49th]

you're actually right, I made the mistake thinking it was with cosine! I accidently came across an webpage a few miutes ago when searching for some other maths stuff. It was a good guess

Cheerz