Question

Which of the following possibilities will NOT form a triangle? (5 points)

Side = 5 ft, side = 15 ft, side = 3 ft
Side = 5 ft, side = 7 ft, side = 11 ft
Side = 8 ft, side = 6 ft, side = 4 ft
Side = 3 ft, side = 11ft, side = 9ft

Answer 1

Answer: Choice A

Side = 5 ft, side = 15 ft, side = 3 ft

Step-by-step explanation:

The two sides 5 ft and 3 ft add to 5+3 = 8 ft which is not larger than the 15 ft side. This is exactly why a triangle is not possible here.

If we want a triangle to happen, then adding any two sides must be larger than the third side.

If we want a triangle with sides a,b,c, then we need the following to be true

• a+b > c
• a+c > b
• b+c > a

Refer to the triangle inequality theorem for more information.