SOLUTION: find the range of possible values for the third side of a triangle with sides 2 cm and 5cm

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Question 238349: find the range of possible values for the third side of a triangle with sides 2 cm and 5cm
Answer by josmiceli(19441) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Imagine that the sides are connected at one end and laying
right on top of eachother. Then imagine that one of the sides
is rotated a tiny fraction of a degree. The sides are now
2, 5, and 5+-+2+=+3 plus a tiny length.
Arranged this way, the 3rd side can't be smaller than 3 cm
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Now leave the given sides connected at one end, but rotate them
so they are 180 degrees opposite eachother. They now add up to
2+%2B+5+=+7. Now rotate one of the sides a tiny fraction
of a degree. The sides are now 2{, 5, and
5+%2B+2+=+7 minus a tiny length.
Arranged this way, the 3rd side can't be greater than 7 cm
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The 3rd side has to be in this range, 3 cm to 7 cm