Question 4
Can we say anything about the existence of a triangle for each of the following sets of lengths?
(a) 10 km, 10 km and 25 km (b) 5 mm, 10 mm and 20 mm (c) 12 cm, 20 cm and 40 cm
For a triangle, two sides added must be longer than the third.
Step 1 — The Triangle Rule
We want to see if three lengths can form a triangle. Imagine walking from one point to another. You can walk directly along one side. Or you can walk along the other two sides. This is the roundabout path. The direct path must always be shorter. If the direct path is longer or equal, no triangle forms. We will use this rule for each set of lengths.

Step 2 — Checking (a) 10 km, 10 km, 25 km
We have the lengths 10 km, 10 km, and 25 km. The longest side is 25 km. This is our direct path. Let us find the sum of the other two sides. This is our roundabout path.
We compare the direct path with the roundabout path. The direct path is 25 km. The roundabout path is 20 km. Since , the direct path is longer. So, a triangle cannot be formed.
Step 3 — Checking (b) 5 mm, 10 mm, 20 mm
We have the lengths 5 mm, 10 mm, and 20 mm. The longest side is 20 mm. This is our direct path. Let us find the sum of the other two sides. This is our roundabout path.
We compare the direct path with the roundabout path. The direct path is 20 mm. The roundabout path is 15 mm. Since , the direct path is longer. So, a triangle cannot be formed.
Step 4 — Checking (c) 12 cm, 20 cm, 40 cm
We have the lengths 12 cm, 20 cm, and 40 cm. The longest side is 40 cm. This is our direct path. Let us find the sum of the other two sides. This is our roundabout path.
We compare the direct path with the roundabout path. The direct path is 40 cm. The roundabout path is 32 cm. Since , the direct path is longer. So, a triangle cannot be formed.
Answer
(a) A triangle cannot be formed with lengths 10 km, 10 km, and 25 km. (b) A triangle cannot be formed with lengths 5 mm, 10 mm, and 20 mm. (c) A triangle cannot be formed with lengths 12 cm, 20 cm, and 40 cm.
More questions in FIO
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We checked by construction that there are no triangles having sidelengths 3 cm, 4 cm and 8 cm; and 2 cm, 3 cm and 6 cm. Check if you could have found this without trying to construct the triangle.
Can we say anything about the existence of a triangle for each of the following sets of lengths?
(a) 10 km, 10 km and 25 km (b) 5 mm, 10 mm and 20 mm (c) 12 cm, 20 cm and 40 cm
Which of the following lengths can be the sidelengths of a triangle? Explain your answers. Note that for each set, the three lengths have the same unit of measure.
(a) 2, 2, 5 (b) 3, 4, 6 (c) 2, 4, 8 (d) 5, 5, 8 (e) 10, 20, 25 (f) 10, 20, 35 (g) 24, 26, 28
Check if a triangle exists for each of the following set of lengths:
(a) 1, 100, 100
(b) 3, 6, 9
(c) 1, 1, 5
(d) 5, 10, 12
Does there exist an equilateral triangle with sides 50, 50, 50? In general, does there exist an equilateral triangle of any sidelength? Justify your answer.
For each of the following, give at least 5 possible values for the third length so there exists a triangle having these as sidelengths (decimal values could also be chosen):
(a) 1, 100
(b) 5, 5
(c) 3, 7
See if you can describe all possible lengths of the third side in each case, so that a triangle exists with those sidelengths. For example, in case (a), all numbers strictly between 99 and 101 would be possible.
Construct triangles for the following measurements where the angle is included between the sides:
(a) 3 cm, 75°, 7 cm
(b) 6 cm, 25°, 3 cm
(c) 3 cm, 120°, 8 cm
Construct triangles for the following measurements:
(a) 75°, 5 cm, 75°
(b) 25°, 3 cm, 60°
(c) 120°, 6 cm, 30°
For each of the following angles, find another angle for which a triangle is (a) possible, (b) not possible. Find at least two different angles for each category:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Determine which of the following pairs can be the angles of a triangle and which cannot:
(a) 35°, 150°
(b) 70°, 30°
(c) 90°, 85°
(d) 50°, 150°
Find the third angle of a triangle (using a parallel line) when two of the angles are:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Can you construct a triangle all of whose angles are equal to ? If two of the angles are what would the third angle be? If all the angles in a triangle have to be equal, then what must its measure be? Explore and find out.
Here is a triangle in which we know and . Can you find and ?
Construct a triangle ABC with BC = 5 cm, AB = 6 cm, CA = 5 cm. Construct an altitude from A to BC.
Construct a triangle TRY with RY = 4 cm, TR = 7 cm, ∠R = 140°. Construct an altitude from T to RY.
Construct a right-angled triangle ABC with B = 90°, AC = 5 cm. How many different triangles exist with these measurements?
[Hint: Note that the other measurements can take any values. Take AC as the base. What values can A and C take so that the other angle is 90°?]
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Also construct an isosceles triangle that is: (i) right-angled (ii) obtuse-angled.