Solving in 3 Dimensions

In Grade 11 we are working on solving trigonometry problems in 3 dimensions. The biggest challenge can be understanding the situation and creating a drawing, or interpreting the drawing that’s given.

We’re working on calculating sides that are shared between triangles so that the information can be used to calculate the value of unknowns. We’re getting better at knowing when to do sine law and cosine law and when we can use primary trig ratios.

Sometimes it helps to break a 3 dimensional picture down into flat triangles that are separate, but we still need a way to relate sides that are the same from one drawing to the next.