54.0k views
3 votes
Can you make a triangle with side lengths 3,7,12

2 Answers

3 votes

Answer: No, it is not possible

To prove this, use a ruler to measure out 3 inches and 7 inches on a piece of paper. After marking the lengths, cut out strips of paper of those sizes. Then try to form a ruler using those two strips of paper and the ruler as the third side. You'll find the strips of paper come up short and a triangle cannot be made.

The triangle inequality theorem says that a triangle is only possible if and only if summing any two sides leads to a result larger than the third side. We see that 3+7 = 10 is not larger than 12, so this invalidates the triangle inequality theorem; therefore, making a triangle not possible with these side lengths.

User Jabaldonedo
by
7.8k points
6 votes

Answer:

No

Explanation:

The third side length has to be smaller than the sum of the other two sides

3+7 > 12

10 >12

We cannot make a triangle

User Arshaw
by
8.8k points

No related questions found

Welcome to QAmmunity.org, where you can ask questions and receive answers from other members of our community.

9.4m questions

12.2m answers

Categories