Question

If the measures of two sides of a triangle are 3.1 feet and 4.6 feet, which is the LEAST possible measure to the nearest tenth for the third side?

a. 1.6 feet
b. 4.6 feet
c. 8 feet
d. 7.5 feet

Answer 1

The correct answer is 2. for some reason its not listed in choices

Answer 2

a. 1.6 feet

Explanation:

The triangle inequality requires the sum of the shortest two sides exceed the longest side. If x represents the shortest side, that means ...

x + 3.1 > 4.6

x > 1.5 . . . . . . . subtract 3.1

The smallest answer choice meeting this requirement is 1.6 feet.

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Comment on this answer

A measure of 1.5001 feet will satisfy the triangle inequality. That value would round to 1.5 when rounded to the nearest tenth.