Which set of line segments can be used to construct a triangle?
Responses
A 8 cm, 3 cm, and 3 cm
B 6 cm, 5 cm, and 2 cm
C 6 cm, 2 cm, and 9 cm
D 8 cm, 2 cm, and 5 cm
3 answers
B 6 cm, 5 cm, and 2 cm
why
To satisfy the triangle inequality, the sum of the lengths of any two sides of a triangle must be greater than the length of the third side.
In option B, 6 + 5 > 2 and 6 + 2 > 5 and 5 + 2 > 6, so these three line segments can be used to construct a triangle.
In option A, 8 + 3 < 3, which violates the triangle inequality.
In option C, 6 + 2 < 9, which also violates the triangle inequality.
In option D, 8 + 2 < 5, which again violates the triangle inequality.
In option B, 6 + 5 > 2 and 6 + 2 > 5 and 5 + 2 > 6, so these three line segments can be used to construct a triangle.
In option A, 8 + 3 < 3, which violates the triangle inequality.
In option C, 6 + 2 < 9, which also violates the triangle inequality.
In option D, 8 + 2 < 5, which again violates the triangle inequality.