Question

Gemma wants to draw a triangle with side lengths of 4 inches, 12 inches, and 17 inches. Which statement is true? This triangle exists because the sum of any two side lengths is greater than the length of the third side. This triangle exists because the sum of 4 and 12 is less than 17. This triangle does not exist because the sum of any two side lengths is greater than the length of the third side. This triangle does not exist because the sum of 4 and 12 is less than 17.

Answer 1

This triangle does not exist due to the fact that the sum of 4 and 12 is less than 17

Explanation:

The triangle formaction rule states that the 2 smaller sides must be able to combine and be greater than the greatest side.

Triangle

Sides - 3, 4, 5

3+4=7

Meaning the two smaller sides add up to because greater than 5.

Non-Triangle

Sides - 5, 6, 13

5+6=11

This means that this is not a triangle because the smaller sides ‘5 and 6’ do not add up to become greater than 13.

Gemma’s Triangle

Sides - 4, 12, 17

4+12=16

Hence, Gemma‘s figure is not a triangle because the 2 smaller sides ‘4 and 12’ don‘t add up to be greater than 17.

Answer 2

The triangle inequality states that the sum of the lengths of the two shortest sides of a triangle must be greater than the length of the largest side. Because 4 + 12 > 17 is not a true statement, the answer is "This triangle does not exist because the sum of 4 and 12 is less than 17."