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Please look at the diagram:

img

I know $D$, $\alpha$ and $\theta$. I also know the $a/b$ ratio of $k$. I don't know $c$. Can I find out $a$ or $b$ or $a+b$?

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    It would have been good style to mention this directly related question: http://math.stackexchange.com/questions/59636/can-i-find-the-angle/59642 to avoid unnecessary duplication of efforts.2011-08-25
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    sorry this is a different question.. they may look similar but nothing is far from truth..2011-08-25
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    I can see it's a different question; otherwise I would have voted to close it as a duplicate. Nevertheless it's clear that some insight might be gained from answers to the other question, and there's no reason not to include a link.2011-08-25
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    What is $\alpha$? An angle?2011-08-25
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    α is the angle.. Sorry it wasn't clear.2011-08-25
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    @joriki, now I see what you mean.. Ok.. good point2011-08-25

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This is a slightly different question to this one. But the answer is the same: it is not possible to determine $a$ or $b$ or $a+b$. Look at this figure:

enter image description here

We can move the red lines anywhere in the $\theta$ cone without changing $\alpha$ and $k=a/b$. But $a$ and $b$ are changed.

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    Thanks for the answer.. It is clear this is not possible.2011-08-25