Solving Triangles using Excel (Editable)

I think that when we use technology in the classroom with our students, we should teach them to use technology as a tool. One of the best applications for using a spreadsheet in class is in the solution of triangles. After my students have mastered the laws of sines and cosines with handheld calculators, and are familiar with the ambiguous case, I have them redo the same problems using excel.

It is a very challenging activity for them.

NOTE: Your students will need to have access to a computer lab with excel for this activity to be successful.

During this lab, I circulate to make sure they don't get stuck.

Please download the pdf preview file first, so you can see exactly what's included; the product file is a word document, which you may personalize for your students.

NOTE: I have a product called "Trigonometry Triangle Solutions Utility," a spreadsheet which will help you, as the teacher, in solving any triangle problem, whether the triangles are specified in SSS, SAS, ASA, SSA, or SAA.

Keywords: excel, solving triangles, SSS, SAS, ASA, SSA, SAA, Jonnard