emily is constructing a triangle. one side is 3 inches long and another is5 inches long. Which of the following is the smallest measure emily could use for the third side of the triangle

Question

emily is constructing a triangle.  one side is 3 inches long and another is5 inches long.  Which of the following is the smallest measure emily could use for the third side of the triangle

anonymous · Answer

Possible answers?

anonymous · Answer

Well, if the third side is not the biggest, then $$
5<3+b
$$

anonymous · Answer

That is the longest side is less than the sum of the other two sides.

anonymous · Answer

my choices are:  2 inches, 3 inches, 4 inches, or 5 inches

anonymous · Answer

Okay, in the inequality $$
5<3+b
$$Solve for $b$.

wolf1728 · Answer

The Triangle Inequality Theorem states that:
Any side of a triangle must be:
      less than the sum of the other 2 sides and
      greater than the difference of the other 2 sides.
sum = 3 + 5 = 8
difference = 5 - 3 = 2
So 
> 2 third side  < 8