Question Bank / Math / Linear Inequalities

Linear inequalities in one or two variables SAT question

Math · Algebra · Hard · Answer it here, explanation included.

The triangle inequality theorem states that the sum of any two sides of a triangle must be greater than the length of the third side. If a triangle has side lengths of and , which inequality represents the possible lengths, , of the third side of the triangle?

ExplanationShow

Choice C is correct. It’s given that a triangle has side lengths of and , and represents the length of the third side of the triangle. It’s also given that the triangle inequality theorem states that the sum of any two sides of a triangle must be greater than the length of the third side. Therefore, the inequalities , , and represent all possible values of . Subtracting from both sides of the inequality yields , or . Adding and in the inequality yields , or . Subtracting from both sides of the inequality yields , or . Since all x-values that satisfy the inequality also satisfy the inequality , it follows that the inequalities and represent the possible values of . Therefore, the inequality represents the possible lengths, , of the third side of the triangle.

Choice A is incorrect. This inequality gives the upper bound for but does not include its lower bound.

Choice B is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.

Choice D is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.

Drill this skill on Aceit

Adaptive practice, a daily plan, and score tracking take a free account so we can save your work.

Practice this skill

More Linear inequalities in one or two variables questions