Which set of side lengths will form a triangle? All measurements are in feet.(1 point) Responses 8, 6, 2 8, 6, 2 5, 2, 4 5, 2, 4 4, 1, 6 4, 1, 6 3, 3, 6

1 answer

To determine which set of side lengths can form a triangle, we can use the triangle inequality theorem. This theorem states that for any triangle with sides of lengths \( a \), \( b \), and \( c \), the following must be true:

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

Let's check each set of side lengths:

  1. 8, 6, 2

    • \( 8 + 6 > 2 \) → \( 14 > 2 \) (true)
    • \( 8 + 2 > 6 \) → \( 10 > 6 \) (true)
    • \( 6 + 2 > 8 \) → \( 8 > 8 \) (false)
    • Cannot form a triangle
  2. 5, 2, 4

    • \( 5 + 2 > 4 \) → \( 7 > 4 \) (true)
    • \( 5 + 4 > 2 \) → \( 9 > 2 \) (true)
    • \( 2 + 4 > 5 \) → \( 6 > 5 \) (true)
    • Can form a triangle
  3. 4, 1, 6

    • \( 4 + 1 > 6 \) → \( 5 > 6 \) (false)
    • Cannot form a triangle
  4. 3, 3, 6

    • \( 3 + 3 > 6 \) → \( 6 > 6 \) (false)
    • Cannot form a triangle

The only set of side lengths that can form a triangle is 5, 2, 4.