Question

Apply the Triangle Inequality Theorem to determine which three side lengths form a triangle.(1 point)
Responses

8, 4, 12
8, 4, 12

10, 20, 15
10, 20, 15

20, 10, 30
20, 10, 30

8, 8, 20
8, 8, 20
Skip to navigation

1 answer

To determine which set of side lengths can form a triangle, we'll apply the Triangle Inequality Theorem. The theorem states that for any three sides \( a \), \( b \), and \( c \) of a triangle, the following must be true:

  1. \( a + b > c \)
  2. \( a + c > b \)
  3. \( b + c > a \)

Let's evaluate each set of side lengths:

  1. 8, 4, 12

    • \( 8 + 4 = 12 \) (not greater, so fails)
    • \( 8 + 12 > 4 \) (true)
    • \( 4 + 12 > 8 \) (true)
    • Does not form a triangle.
  2. 10, 20, 15

    • \( 10 + 20 = 30 > 15 \) (true)
    • \( 10 + 15 = 25 > 20 \) (true)
    • \( 20 + 15 = 35 > 10 \) (true)
    • Forms a triangle.
  3. 20, 10, 30

    • \( 20 + 10 = 30 \) (not greater, so fails)
    • \( 20 + 30 > 10 \) (true)
    • \( 10 + 30 > 20 \) (true)
    • Does not form a triangle.
  4. 8, 8, 20

    • \( 8 + 8 = 16 < 20 \) (not greater, so fails)
    • \( 8 + 20 > 8 \) (true)
    • \( 8 + 20 > 8 \) (true)
    • Does not form a triangle.

Conclusion: The only set of side lengths that can form a triangle is 10, 20, 15.