To determine which option could be the third side of a triangle when the first two sides measure 4 and 6, we can use the Triangle Inequality Theorem. This 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 the lengths of the sides be represented as follows:
- Side 1 = 4
- Side 2 = 6
- Side 3 = x (the unknown side)
According to the Triangle Inequality Theorem, we have the following conditions:
- \( 4 + 6 > x \) (or \( 10 > x \) ⇒ \( x < 10 \))
- \( 4 + x > 6 \) (or \( x > 2 \))
- \( 6 + x > 4 \) (This condition is always satisfied if \( x > 2 \))
From the conditions, we can deduce that:
- \( x \) must be greater than 2 and less than 10.
Now, let's analyze the given options:
- 11: This does not satisfy \( x < 10 \).
- 2: This does not satisfy \( x > 2 \).
- 1: This does not satisfy \( x > 2 \).
- 9: This satisfies both conditions \( 2 < 9 < 10 \).
Therefore, the only option that could be the third side of the triangle is 9.