Question 8
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) ,
(b) ,
(c) ,
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 and would be possible.
- According to the Triangle Inequality Property, the sum of any two sides of a triangle must always be strictly greater than the third side.
- For two given side lengths and , the third side must satisfy:
- Any length strictly between these two bounds can form a valid triangle.
(a) ,
Step 1 · Find the Range of the Third Side
Let the third side length be .
Difference of the given sides:
Sum of the given sides:
Therefore, the length of the third side must satisfy:
(a) All numbers strictly between and (e.g., , , , , ).
(b) ,
Step 1 · Find the Range of the Third Side
Let the third side length be .
Difference of the given sides:
Sum of the given sides:
Therefore, the length of the third side must satisfy:
(b) All numbers strictly between and (e.g., , , , , ).
(c) ,
Step 1 · Find the Range of the Third Side
Let the third side length be .
Difference of the given sides:
Sum of the given sides:
Therefore, the length of the third side must satisfy:
(c) All numbers strictly between and (e.g., , , , , ).
- Including Endpoints: Using or instead of strict inequality . If the third side equals the sum or difference of the other two sides (e.g., for sides and ), the points collapse onto a straight line segment and no triangle is formed.
- Ignoring the Lower Bound: Only checking that while forgetting that must also be strictly greater than so that side lengths remain valid and positive.
More questions in FIO
Use the points on the circle and/or the centre to form isosceles triangles.
Use the points on the circles and/or their centres to form isosceles and equilateral triangles. The circles are of the same size.
We checked by construction that there are no triangles having sidelengths , and ; and , and . 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) , and
(b) , and
(c) , and
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) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g)
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) ,
(b) ,
(c) ,
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 and would be possible.
Construct triangles for the following measurements where the angle is included between the sides:
(a) , ,
(b) , ,
(c) , ,
Construct triangles for the following measurements:
(a) , ,
(b) , ,
(c) , ,
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) ,
(b) ,
(c) ,
(d) ,
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 with , , . Construct an altitude from to .
Construct a triangle with , , . Construct an altitude from to .
Construct a right-angled triangle with , . How many different triangles exist with these measurements?
[Hint: Note that the other measurements can take any values. Take as the base. What values can and take so that the other angle is ?]
Through construction, explore if it is possible to construct an equilateral triangle that is: (i) right-angled (ii) obtuse-angled.
Also construct an isosceles triangle that is: (i) right-angled (ii) obtuse-angled.