Question

Is it possible to draw a triangle whose sides are of the following lengths (all in cm)? Give reason.

3.9, 5.2, 3

Answer 1

To determine if a triangle can be formed with sides of lengths 3.9 cm, 5.2 cm and 3 cm, we apply the triangle inequality theorem. The theorem states that the sum of the lengths of any two sides of a triangle must be greater than the length of the third side.

Let’s check the three conditions:

3.9 + 5.2 > 3
9.1 > 3 (True)

3.9 + 3 > 5.2
6.9 > 5.2 (True)

5.2 + 3 > 3.9
8.2 > 3.9 (True)

Since all three conditions are satisfied, a triangle can be formed with side lengths of 3.9 cm, 5.2 cm and 3 cm. Therefore, the answer is Yes, a triangle with these side lengths is possible.