Final answer:
Tori can use a 6-inch metal rod for the third side of her triangular frame.
Step-by-step explanation:
Tori is making a triangular frame for her stained glass project using metal rods. She already has rods measuring 6 inches and 12 inches for two sides. To find the length of the third side, we need to use the triangle inequality theorem. According to the theorem, the sum of the lengths of any two sides of a triangle must be greater than the length of the third side. So, to find the possible length of the third side, we add the lengths of the given sides and subtract each length from the sum:
6 + 12 = 18 inches
18 - 6 = 12 inches
18 - 12 = 6 inches
Therefore, Tori could use a length of 6 inches (option D) for the third side of her triangular frame.