Question

The sides of a triangle measure 5 meters and 8 meters. What are the possible side lengths for the third side?

Answer 1

To determine the possible lengths of the third side of a triangle with sides measuring 5 meters and 8 meters, we can use the triangle inequality theorem, which states that the sum of any two sides of a triangle must be greater than the third side.

So in this case, let's call the length of the third side "x". According to the triangle inequality theorem:

5 + 8 > x

or

x < 13

8 + x > 5

or

x > -3

Since the length of a side cannot be negative, we can disregard the second inequality. Therefore, the possible lengths of the third side, "x", are:

- 5 < x < 13

So the third side can measure any length between 5 and 13 meters, exclusive of 5 and 13.

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