Answer:
To determine the classification of a triangle based on its side lengths, we can use the Pythagorean theorem, which states that in a right triangle, the sum of the squares of the lengths of the legs (the shorter sides) is equal to the square of the length of the hypotenuse (the longest side).
For this particular triangle with side lengths 6 cm, 10 cm, and 12 cm, we can apply the Pythagorean theorem to determine whether the triangle is acute (all angles are less than 90 degrees), obtuse (one angle is greater than 90 degrees), or right (one angle is equal to 90 degrees).
Using the Pythagorean theorem, we find:
6^2 + 10^2 = 136
12^2 = 144
Since 136 is less than 144, we know that 6 cm, 10 cm, and 12 cm are the side lengths of a triangle that is obtuse (one angle is greater than 90 degrees), because the longest side (the hypotenuse) is greater than the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides.
Therefore, the correct answer is: obtuse, because 6^2 + 10^2 < 12^2.