Unlock the Secrets of Lesson 4.3 Triangle Inequalities: Your Answer Key Revealed

In Lesson 4.3, we will take a look at triangle inequalities and how they can be used to determine the relationships between the sides and angles of a triangle. Understanding triangle inequalities is essential for solving various problems in geometry and trigonometry.
A triangle inequality states that the sum of the lengths of any two sides of a triangle must be greater than the length of the third side. In other words, if a, b, and c are the lengths of the sides of a triangle, then a + b > c, a + c > b, and b + c > a. This inequality can be used to determine whether a given set of side lengths can form a valid triangle.
The answer key for Lesson 4.3 triangle inequalities will provide the solutions and explanations for the exercises and problems given in the lesson. It will help clarify any confusion and ensure that you have the correct understanding of the topic. The key will also demonstrate how to apply triangle inequalities to solve real-life problems and provide further practice for mastering this concept.
Triangle Inequalities Explained

The concept of triangle inequalities is a fundamental topic in geometry. It involves the relationship between the lengths of the sides of a triangle. In order for a triangle to exist, the sum of the lengths of any two sides must be greater than the length of the remaining side.
The triangle inequality theorem states that for any triangle with sides a, b, and c: a + b > c, a + c > b, and b + c > a. This theorem is based on the fact that the shortest path between two points is a straight line, so the sum of the lengths of any two sides of a triangle must be greater than the length of the remaining side.
These inequalities have important implications in geometry. They can be used to determine if a given set of side lengths can form a triangle. For example, if you are given three side lengths of 4, 5, and 10, you can use the triangle inequality theorem to determine that it is not possible to form a triangle with those side lengths, since 4 + 5 = 9 is not greater than 10.
Additionally, these inequalities can be used to determine if a triangle is a right triangle. If a^2 + b^2 = c^2, where a, b, and c are the lengths of the sides of a triangle, then the triangle is a right triangle. This is a direct application of the Pythagorean theorem, which states that in a right triangle, the square of the length of the hypotenuse (the side opposite the right angle) is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides.
Understanding triangle inequalities is crucial for solving geometric problems and proving theorems. It allows us to establish the criteria for triangle existence, classify triangles, and analyze their properties. By applying these inequalities, we can confidently navigate the world of geometry and understand the relationships between the sides of a triangle.
Triangle Inequalities
Triangle inequalities are a set of rules that help us determine if three given side lengths can form a triangle. These rules are based on the relationship between the lengths of the sides of a triangle.
Rule 1: The sum of the lengths of any two sides of a triangle must be greater than the length of the third side. This can be written as a mathematical inequality: a + b > c, where a, b, and c are the side lengths.
Rule 2: The difference between the lengths of any two sides of a triangle must be smaller than the length of the third side. This can be written as a mathematical inequality: |a – b| < c, where a, b, and c are the side lengths.
To determine if three given side lengths can form a triangle, we can apply these rules. If both Rule 1 and Rule 2 are satisfied, then the three side lengths can form a triangle. If either Rule 1 or Rule 2 is not satisfied, then the three side lengths cannot form a triangle.
For example, let’s say we have three side lengths: 4, 5, and 10. We can apply Rule 1: 4 + 5 = 9, which is greater than 10. Rule 1 is satisfied. Next, we can apply Rule 2: 5 – 4 = 1, which is smaller than 10. Rule 2 is also satisfied. Therefore, the side lengths 4, 5, and 10 can form a triangle.
Triangle inequalities are important in geometry because they help us determine the validity of triangle relationships and the possibilities for constructing triangles with given side lengths.
Understanding the Triangle Inequality Theorem

The Triangle Inequality Theorem is a fundamental concept in geometry that helps us determine if a set of three side lengths can form a valid triangle. It states that for any triangle, the sum of the lengths of any two sides must be greater than the length of the third side.
This theorem can be applied to any triangle, whether it is a right triangle, an equilateral triangle, or any other type of triangle. By understanding the Triangle Inequality Theorem, we can quickly determine if a given set of side lengths can form a triangle or not.
Key Points:
- The Triangle Inequality Theorem states that the sum of the lengths of any two sides of a triangle must be greater than the length of the third side.
- If the sum of the lengths of any two sides is equal to the length of the third side, then the three side lengths cannot form a triangle.
- The Triangle Inequality Theorem is a useful tool for determining the validity of triangle measurements, especially in real-life applications such as construction and engineering.
By applying the Triangle Inequality Theorem, we can avoid mistakenly trying to construct triangles that are impossible to create with the given side lengths. This theorem provides a simple and efficient way to check if a triangle is possible or not, and it is a fundamental concept that is essential for any student of geometry to understand.
Applying the Triangle Inequality Theorem to Solve Problems

The Triangle Inequality Theorem is a fundamental concept in geometry that helps us determine if three given side lengths can form a triangle. According to the theorem, the sum of the lengths of any two sides of a triangle must be greater than the length of the third side. This theorem allows us to quickly eliminate combinations of side lengths that cannot form a triangle, saving time in problem-solving.
When faced with a problem involving side lengths, we can apply the Triangle Inequality Theorem to determine if a triangle is possible. To do this, we compare the lengths of each pair of sides. If the sum of the lengths of any two sides is greater than the length of the third side, then a triangle can be formed. However, if the sum is equal to or less than the length of the third side, a triangle is not possible.
One practical application of the Triangle Inequality Theorem is in determining the range of possible values for a side length given the lengths of the other two sides. For example, if we know that two sides have lengths 5 and 8, we can use the theorem to determine the range of possible values for the third side. By finding the difference and the sum of the known side lengths, we can determine that the third side must have a length between 3 and 13.
In conclusion, the Triangle Inequality Theorem is a valuable tool in geometry problem-solving. It allows us to quickly determine if a triangle can be formed given three side lengths and helps us find the range of possible values for a side length. By applying this theorem, we can save time and solve problems more efficiently.
Triangle Inequality Examples with Detailed Solutions
The triangle inequality theorem states that the sum of the lengths of any two sides of a triangle must be greater than the length of the remaining side. This theorem is an important tool in determining whether or not a set of side lengths can form a valid triangle.
Example 1:
Given the side lengths of a triangle as 5, 7, and 11, we can check if they satisfy the triangle inequality theorem. Let’s compare the sum of any two sides with the length of the remaining side:
- 5 + 7 = 12, which is greater than 11.
- 5 + 11 = 16, which is greater than 7.
- 7 + 11 = 18, which is greater than 5.
Since all three sums are greater than the remaining side length, we can conclude that the side lengths 5, 7, and 11 can form a triangle.
Example 2:
Let’s consider another set of side lengths: 4, 6, and 12. We will again apply the triangle inequality theorem:
- 4 + 6 = 10, which is less than 12.
- 4 + 12 = 16, which is greater than 6.
- 6 + 12 = 18, which is greater than 4.
In this case, one of the sums (4 + 6) is less than the remaining side length (12). Therefore, the side lengths 4, 6, and 12 cannot form a triangle.
The triangle inequality theorem is a valuable tool in geometry for determining whether or not a given set of side lengths can form a triangle. By comparing the sums of two sides with the length of the remaining side, we can quickly identify which sets of side lengths are valid for constructing a triangle. This theorem is particularly useful when solving geometric problems that involve triangles.
Triangle Inequalities Practice Problems

The concept of triangle inequalities states that the sum of any two sides of a triangle must be greater than the length of the third side. In this practice problem set, we will explore various scenarios and determine if the given triangle inequalities hold true.
Problem 1:
Given a triangle with side lengths of 5, 7, and 10, we need to determine if it is a valid triangle. To do so, we can check if the sum of the lengths of any two sides is greater than the length of the remaining side. In this case, 5 + 7 = 12, which is greater than 10. Similarly, 7 + 10 = 17 and 5 + 10 = 15 are also greater than the remaining side length. Therefore, the triangle inequalities hold true, and this triangle is valid.
Problem 2:
Consider a triangle with side lengths of 4, 9, and 17. We need to determine if it is a valid triangle by checking the triangle inequalities. In this case, the sum of the lengths of the two shorter sides, 4 and 9, is 13, which is less than the length of the longest side, 17. Therefore, this triangle does not satisfy the triangle inequalities and is not a valid triangle.
Problem 3:
Let’s examine a triangle with side lengths of 8, 15, and 22. Again, we need to verify if the triangle inequalities hold true. The sum of the lengths of the two shorter sides, 8 and 15, is 23, which is greater than the length of the longest side, 22. Moreover, the sum of the lengths of 15 and 22 is 37, which is also greater than 8. Therefore, this triangle satisfies the triangle inequalities and is valid.
By practicing various triangle inequality scenarios, we can strengthen our understanding of the concept and improve our ability to determine the validity of triangles based on their side lengths.
Answer Key for Lesson 4.3 Triangle Inequalities
In Lesson 4.3, we learned about triangle inequalities and how to determine if a set of side lengths can form a triangle. Triangle inequalities state that the sum of any two side lengths of a triangle must be greater than the third side length.
Here is the answer key for the practice problems in Lesson 4.3:
- Problem 1: Yes, the lengths of the sides can form a triangle.
- Problem 2: No, the lengths of the sides cannot form a triangle.
- Problem 3: Yes, the lengths of the sides can form a triangle.
- Problem 4: Yes, the lengths of the sides can form a triangle.
- Problem 5: No, the lengths of the sides cannot form a triangle.
- Problem 6: No, the lengths of the sides cannot form a triangle.
Remember, to determine if a set of side lengths can form a triangle, you need to check if the sum of any two side lengths is greater than the third side length. If this condition is met for all three combinations of side lengths, then a triangle can be formed.
Understanding triangle inequalities is important in geometry as it helps us determine the validity of triangle configurations. It also allows us to analyze and solve various problems related to triangles.