How do you write an inequality that expresses the reason the lengths 5 feet, 10 feet, and 20 feet could not be used to make a triangle?

1 Answer
Nov 21, 2016

Let the lengths of the triangle be #a, b and c# with #a < b < c#.

Since a triangle is a closed three sided figure,

#a + b ≥ c#

Here, we let #a = 5#, #b = 10# and #c = 20#.

#5 + 10 ≥^? 20#

#15 ≥^O/ 20#

So, it is impossible to have a triangle with sides of #5, 10 and 20# feet.

Hopefully this helps!