SOLUTION: the lengths of two sides of a triangle are 15 yards and 27 yards. Describe the possible lenghts of the third side of the triangle. I know there is going to be a small value and a

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Question 824095: the lengths of two sides of a triangle are 15 yards and 27 yards. Describe the possible lenghts of the third side of the triangle.
I know there is going to be a small value and a large value but i dont know how to make the equation to get them.

Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let x = length of the third side

The third side is always larger than the difference of the two other sides, so

x > 27 - 15

x > 12

AND

The third side is always smaller than the sum of the two other sides, so

x < 27 + 15

x < 42

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Put the two together to get...

x > 12 AND x < 42

12 < x AND x < 42

12 < x < 42

This means that the third side is between 12 yards and 42 yards (but not equal to 12 or not equal to 42)