A carpenter proposes to make 4 triangular shelves of the following dimensions:

Shelf 1: 6 inches, 14 inches, 21 inches
Shelf 2: 10 inches, 15 inches, 24 inches
Shelf 3: 11 inches, 20 inches, 32 inches
Shelf 4: 8 inches, 20 inches, 24 inches

Which of the above shelf dimensions are not possible?

Question

A carpenter proposes to make 4 triangular shelves of the following dimensions: 
 
Shelf 1: 6 inches, 14 inches, 21 inches
Shelf 2: 10 inches, 15 inches, 24 inches
Shelf 3: 11 inches, 20 inches, 32 inches
Shelf 4: 8 inches, 20 inches, 24 inches
 
Which of the above shelf dimensions are not possible?

mathteacher1729 · Answer

QUick question -- it is related.

Will you be able to form a closed triangle with the pieces drawn below? Why or why not?

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