Triangle Inequality Theorem
Connect the vertices of the three segments to try and create a triangle. (Hint: start with the longest segment as the base). Then answer the questions below.
Example #1
[size=200]Do these three segments create a triangle?[/size]
Example #2
[size=200]Do these three segments create a triangle?[/size]
[size=200]Do these three segments create a triangle?[/size]
[size=200]Do these three segments create a triangle?[/size]
Look at the lengths of the segments that did create a triangle. What do you notice?
Look at the lengths of the segments that did NOT create a triangle. What do you notice?
Write a rule that would allow you to determine if any set of measurements (a, b, and c) will form a triangle. [br](Let c be the longest side)
[size=150]Look back at example #2, does this rule work? [/size]
Triangular Playground
For a neighborhood improvement project, you volunteer to help build a new sandbox at the town playground. You have two boards that will make up two sides of the triangular sandbox. One is 5 ft. long and the other is 8 ft. long. Wooden boards come in the lengths shown. Which boards can you use for the third side of the sandbox?
Which boards will work?