Final answer:
To find the length of side AC in triangle ABC, we can use the triangle inequality theorem, which states that the sum of the lengths of any two sides of a triangle must be greater than the length of the third side. Side AB has a length of 17 inches and side BC has a length of 23 inches, so any length less than 40 inches is possible for side AC.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the length of side AC, we can use the triangle inequality theorem. According to this theorem, the sum of the lengths of any two sides of a triangle must be greater than the length of the third side.
In this case, side AB has a length of 17 inches and side BC has a length of 23 inches. So, for side AC, the sum of 17 inches and 23 inches must be greater than its length.
17 + 23 = 40, so any length less than 40 inches is possible for side AC.