Question

Is it possible to construct a triangle with the given lengths
1) 8,9, 15
2) 4,7,13

Answer 1

When we draw a triangle, any of the two sides must be longer than the third side, otherwise the two shorter sides will never meet!

Instead of the condition "any of two sides" must be longer than the third, we can make it simpler (if we know all three sides) by saying equivalently:

"the sum of lengths of the two shorter sides must be long than the long(est) side."

Apply this rule to see which one of the two triangles cannot exist.

Answer 2

1 can and 2 cant.

Answer 3

Visually solution- enter sides and see triangle image :

1. http://www.triangle-calculator.com/?what=sss&a=8&b=9&c=15&submit=Solve

2. http://www.triangle-calculator.com/?what=sss&a=4&b=7&c=13&submit=Solve