[b]Proposition: [/b]
[i]Determine the position of an unknown accessible point P by its bearings from three inaccessible known points A, B, C.[/i]
For example, say I am in a boat at point P, and A, B, C are known points on shore. I can't reach them, but all three are visible, and I take bearings.
[i]What is my current position?[/i]
This is problem #40 in Heinrich Dörrie's [i]100 Great Problems of Elementary Mathematics[/i].
I offer three solutions:
-trigonometric
-compass
-vectors
The first two accompany the book text. The third, vector solution is my own.
All solutions work smoothly in a full circle about the three points.
