Greg joins three magnetic sticks having unequal lengths to make a triangle. The first side is 3 cm and the secind side is 4cm. What is most likely the length of the third side?

A. 8 cm
B. 6 cm
C. 9cm
D. 7 cm

Question

Greg joins three magnetic sticks having unequal lengths to make a triangle. The first side is 3 cm and the secind side is 4cm. What is most likely the length of the third side?

A. 8 cm
B. 6 cm
C. 9cm
D. 7 cm

lexipoo1998 · Answer

I think it is B but i am not sure

anonymous · Answer

Using an inequality, what would be the restriction on the length of the third side if it were the longest side.  Do the same sort of thing for the shortest side and combine the results into an inequality expression like, 1<third_side<7 .

Otherwise, "the most likely length", makes the problem statement amiguous in my view.

lexipoo1998 · Answer

so it would be B right?

anonymous · Answer

It is not 8.  |dw:1353875994228:dw|

anonymous · Answer

Notice that there is a gap of slightly more than 1 cm

lexipoo1998 · Answer

yes

lexipoo1998 · Answer

but how could it be 7? i know that it cant be more than the first two added or less then them when subtracted which is why i think it is 6. 7 could work but like so could 6 you know

anonymous · Answer

Has to be less than 7 or you have a 7 cm line, not a triangle.  The long side has to be less than 7.

anonymous · Answer

|dw:1353876456109:dw|

lexipoo1998 · Answer

so it was B like i said in the begining?

anonymous · Answer

From the drawing above, the third side now has to be greater than 1 cm to have a triangle.

lexipoo1998 · Answer

ok so again is it 6

anonymous · Answer

Let c be the third side of the triangle.  c has to be greater than 1 cm and less than 7 cm.
1 < c < 7 is the answer.  An line length that satisfies that inequality is valid.

Yes,  B. 6 cm is the only offering for an answer that is valid.

lexipoo1998 · Answer

ok thanks