The triangle inequality theorem states that the sum of any two sides of a triangle must be greater than the length of the third side. If a triangle has side lengths of and , which inequality represents the possible lengths, , of the third side of the triangle?
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Choice C is correct. It’s given that a triangle has side lengths of and , and represents the length of the third side of the triangle. It’s also given that the triangle inequality theorem states that the sum of any two sides of a triangle must be greater than the length of the third side. Therefore, the inequalities , , and represent all possible values of . Subtracting from both sides of the inequality yields , or . Adding and in the inequality yields , or . Subtracting from both sides of the inequality yields , or . Since all x-values that satisfy the inequality also satisfy the inequality , it follows that the inequalities and represent the possible values of . Therefore, the inequality represents the possible lengths, , of the third side of the triangle.
Choice A is incorrect. This inequality gives the upper bound for but does not include its lower bound.
Choice B is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.
Choice D is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.
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