SOLUTION: A triangle has two sides of length 6 and 3. What is the smallest possible whole-number length for the third side?

Algebra ->  Triangles -> SOLUTION: A triangle has two sides of length 6 and 3. What is the smallest possible whole-number length for the third side?      Log On


   

Question 1156909: A triangle has two sides of length 6 and 3. What is the smallest possible whole-number length for the third side?
Answer by Edwin McCravy(20062) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
For any triangle,



So, if the third side is x, then 

|6-3| < x < 6+3
  |3| < x < 9
    3 < x < 9

The smallest possible whole number that fits that inequality is 4.

[You weren't asked, but the greatest possible whole number that fits that inequality is 8.]

Edwin