To determine if a triangle can be formed with sides measuring 8 inches, 8 inches, and 3 inches, we can use the triangle inequality theorem. The theorem states that for any triangle with sides of lengths \( a \), \( b \), and \( c \), the following conditions must be satisfied:
- \( a + b > c \)
- \( a + c > b \)
- \( b + c > a \)
Let’s assign the sides:
- \( a = 8 \)
- \( b = 8 \)
- \( c = 3 \)
Now we can check each condition:
- \( 8 + 8 > 3 \) → \( 16 > 3 \) (True)
- \( 8 + 3 > 8 \) → \( 11 > 8 \) (True)
- \( 8 + 3 > 8 \) → \( 11 > 8 \) (True)
Since all three conditions are satisfied, a triangle can be formed with sides measuring 8 inches, 8 inches, and 3 inches.
Additionally, since two sides are equal (8 inches each), this triangle is an isosceles triangle.