Question

For a triangle with sides a=3.1, b=4.5, and c=8.9, determine which type of triangle it is.

Answer 1

Answer: Triangle is NOT possible

Step-by-step explanation:

Refer to the triangle inequality theorem

That theorem states: The sum of any two sides of a triangle must exceed the third side.

If we have a triangle with sides a,b,c then all of the following inequalities must be true

• a+b > c
• b+c > a
• a+c > b

Notice how a+b = 3.1+4.5 = 7.6 is NOT larger than c = 8.9

This makes a+b > c false and it's why we cannot have a triangle.

Try it out with pieces of paper. Make slips of paper that are 3.1 inches, 4.5 inches, and 8.9 inches long. You'll find that the first two sides come up short and there's a gap.

Answer 2

The triangle with sides a=3.1, b=4.5, and c=8.9 is a scalene triangle.

Step-by-step explanation:

The triangle with sides a=3.1, b=4.5, and c=8.9 is an scalene triangle. A scalene triangle is a triangle in which all sides have different lengths. In this case, the lengths of the sides are all different, so it is a scalene triangle.