Select the correct answer.

Based on these segment lengths, which group of segments can form a triangle?

A. 3, 10, 14
B. 8, 7, 13
C. 3, 2, 5
D. 20, 7, 13

1 answer

To determine which group of segments can form a triangle, we can use the triangle inequality theorem. This theorem 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 third side.

Let's apply this theorem to each option:

A. 3, 10, 14
- 3 + 10 = 13, which is not greater than 14.
Therefore, these lengths do not satisfy the triangle inequality theorem.

B. 8, 7, 13
- 8 + 7 = 15, which is greater than 13.
- 8 + 13 = 21, which is greater than 7.
- 7 + 13 = 20, which is greater than 8.
All three conditions are satisfied, so these lengths can form a triangle.

C. 3, 2, 5
- 3 + 2 = 5, which is not greater than 5.
Therefore, these lengths do not satisfy the triangle inequality theorem.

D. 20, 7, 13
- 20 + 7 = 27, which is greater than 13.
- 20 + 13 = 33, which is greater than 7.
- 7 + 13 = 20, which is not greater than 20.
Therefore, these lengths do not satisfy the triangle inequality theorem.

The correct answer is B. 8, 7, 13.