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Re: Triangles
Posted:
Jan 29, 1998 10:17 AM
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You wrote:
I am 12 and I can't figure out my homework.If the lengths of two sides
of a triangle are 4 cm and 6 cm what is the least and greatest
possible length of the third side? What is the formula for figuring
this out?
Rather then give you the answer, I will suggest a way to figure it out. There
is no formula, per se. Take a straw or strip of paper and cut pieces 4 cm and
6 cm. Attach at one end so that they will swivel. When you make the smallest
possible angle between the two pieces, you will get the least possible length.
When you make the largest possible angle between the two pieces that is less
than or equal to a straight angle, you will get the greatest possible length.
You could probably draw the two extremes without using the straw pieces, but it
always helps me to actually move things.
E. Schoaff
Buffalo State College
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