SMRTR Science & EngineeringApr 23, 2026John D. Cook

Approximation to solve an oblique triangle

SMRTR summary

A 1949 math paper by H.E. Stelson introduced a formula to approximate angles in oblique triangles without using inverse trig functions. Using a power series approach, the method calculates angle A via semiperimeter, achieving accuracy to five decimal places when compared against exact values from the law of cosines.

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