Question

Determine if it is possible to form a triangle using the set of segments with the given

measurements. Explain your reasoning.
a. 7 in., 8.7 in., 15.4 in.
b. 12 m, 5 m, 18.9 m

Answer 1

a. yes, see answer for reasoning

b. no, see answer for reasoning

Explanation:

to determine the possibility of a triangle, you must know that for any a,b,c side lengths of a triangle, these must be true:

a+b>c

a+c>b

b+c>a

this means that the sums of the measures of two legs of a triangle must be greater than the measure of the remaining leg.

a. 7+8.7=15.7> 15.4 yes

7+15.4=22.4>8.7 yes

8.7+15.4=24.1>7 yes

this triangle is possible.

b. 12+5=17 is NOT > 18.9

the above reasoning is not true, so this triangle is impossible.