Question

Two sides of an obtuse triangle measure 12 inches and 14 inches. The longest side measured 14 inches what is the gratest possible whole number length of the unknown side

Answer 1

C. 7 inches

Explanation:

The Obtuse Triangle Inequality Theorem: c^2 > a^2 + b^2.

14^2 > 12^2 + b^2.

196 > 144 + b^2.

so b < 52. and the square root of 52 is 7.

Thank you and have a great day!

Answer 2

26

Explanation:

If the sides of a triangle are a, b, and c, the triangle inequality theorem tells us, about the sides possible to make up this NON-right triangle:

a + b > c

b + c > a and

a + c > b

Since we have 2 sides, we will call the third unknown side x. Let a = 12 and b = 14:

12 + 14 > x

14 + x > 12 and

12 + x > 14.

The first inequality, solved for x, is that x < 26.

The second inequality, solved for x, is that x > -2. We all know that the 2 things in math that will never EVER be negative are distance/length measures and time; therefore, we can safely disregard -2 as a side length of this, or ANY, triangle.

The third inequality, solved for x, is that x > 2.

We now have the solutions for the side length possibilities:

2 < x < 26

From this inequality statement, we see that the longest the side could possibly be and still make a triangle with the other 2 side lengths given, is 26