Triangle Inequality Theorem
Ever wonder if three random lengths can form a triangle? Here's the rule: a triangle exists when the sum of the two shorter sides is greater than the longest side. This is the Triangle Inequality Theorem.
To check if lengths can form a triangle, add the two smaller numbers and compare to the third. For example, with sides 8, 17, and 24, we check if 8+17>24. Since 25>24, these lengths can form a triangle. But for sides 3, 3, and 7, we see that 3+3=6 which is less than 7, so no triangle is possible.
When you know two sides of a triangle, you can determine the possible range for the third side. The third side must be greater than the difference of the two sides and less than their sum. For instance, if two sides are 14 and 22, then the third side (x) must satisfy: |14-22| < x < 14+22, which means 8 < x < 36.
Remember This! When checking if lengths can form a triangle, you must verify the inequality for all three combinations of sides, though typically checking the sum of the two smaller sides against the longest is sufficient.