To determine which combinations of straws can form triangles, we can use the triangle inequality theorem, which states that for any three lengths to form a triangle, the sum of the lengths of any two sides must be greater than the length of the remaining side.
The lengths of the straws are as follows:
- Straw A: 7 inches
- Straw B: 9 inches
- Straw C: 3 inches
- Straw D: 10 inches
Let's check all the combinations of three straws:
-
A, B, C (7, 9, 3):
- 7 + 9 > 3 (True)
- 7 + 3 > 9 (False)
- 9 + 3 > 7 (True)
- This combination cannot form a triangle.
-
A, B, D (7, 9, 10):
- 7 + 9 > 10 (False)
- 7 + 10 > 9 (True)
- 9 + 10 > 7 (True)
- This combination cannot form a triangle.
-
A, C, D (7, 3, 10):
- 7 + 3 > 10 (False)
- 7 + 10 > 3 (True)
- 3 + 10 > 7 (True)
- This combination cannot form a triangle.
-
B, C, D (9, 3, 10):
- 9 + 3 > 10 (False)
- 9 + 10 > 3 (True)
- 3 + 10 > 9 (True)
- This combination cannot form a triangle.
From the combinations checked above, none of the straws form a valid triangle based on the triangle inequality theorem. Therefore, Joanna cannot make any triangles with the given straws.