Geometry: Common Core (15th Edition)

Published by Prentice Hall
ISBN 10: 0133281159
ISBN 13: 978-0-13328-115-6

Chapter 5 - Relationships Within Triangles - 5-6 Inequalities in One Triangle - Practice and Problem-Solving Exercises - Page 329: 31

Answer

$3 < x < 11$

Work Step by Step

Using the Triangle Inequality Theorem, we need to see if the sum of each of the combinations of two sides is greater than the other side. Let's set $x$ as the length of the third side. Now, let's look at the possible combinations of sides to see if the lengths of two sides is greater than the length of a third side: 1st combination: $x + 4 > 7$ Solve for $x$ by subtracting $4$ from each side of the inequality: $x > 3$ 2nd combination: $x + 7 > 4$ Subtract $7$ from each side of the equation: $x > -3$ 3rd combination: $4 + 7 > x$ Switch the inequality around and add to simplify: $x < 11$ $x$ cannot be a negative number because it is a length, so let's eliminate the inequality that includes a negative number. We know that $x$ has to be greater than $3$ and $x$ has to be less than $11$, so we have $x$ in the following range: $3 < x < 11$
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.