Question

Which set of numbers could represent the lengths of the sides of a triangle?A. {8,11,19}B. {3,4,8}C. {11,5,5}D. {19,16,20}This is a Geometry question 6 tutors said its a chemistry question!

Answer 1

For a set of numbers to possibly represent the lengths of the sides of a triangle, the following rule must be applied.

"The sum of two numbers/sides, should always be greater than the remaining one."

a + b > c

a + c > b

b + c > a

Let's now check the choices.

A. {8,11,19}

8 + 11 > 19

19 > 19 (FALSE)

This set is not possible.

B. {3,4,8}

3 + 4 > 8

7 > 8 (FALSE)

This set is not possible.

C. {11,5,5}

5 + 5 > 11

10 > 11 (FALSE)

This set is not possible.

D. {19,16,20}

19 + 16 > 20

35 > 20 (TRUE)

19 + 20 > 16

39 > 16 (TRUE)

16 + 20 > 19

36 > 19 (TRUE)

Therefore, the answer is CHOICE D.