The Sum of any Two Sides of a Triangle is Greater than the Third Side

Here we will prove that the sum of any two sides of a triangle is greater than the third side.

Given: XYZ is a triangle.

Inequalities in Triangles

To Prove: (XY + XZ) > YZ, (YZ + XZ) > XY and (XY + YZ) > XZ

Construction: Produce YX to P such that XP = XZ. Join P and Z.

The Sum of any Two Sides of a Triangle is Greater than the Third Side

             Statement

1. ∠XZP = ∠XPZ.

2. ∠YZP > ∠XZP.

3. Therefore, ∠YZP > ∠XPZ.

4. ∠YZP > ∠YPZ.

5. In ∆YZP,  YP > YZ.

6. (YX + XP) > YZ.

7. (YX + XZ) > YZ. (Proved)

            Reason

1. XP = XZ.

2. ∠YZP = ∠YZX + ∠XZP.

3. From 1 and 2.

4. From 3.

5. Greater angle has greater side opposite to it.

6. YP = YX + XP

7. XP = XZ

Similarly, it can be shown that (YZ + XZ) >XY and (XY + YZ) > XZ.


Corollary: In a triangle, the difference of the lengths of any two sides is less than the third side.

Proof: In a ∆XYZ, according to the above theorem (XY + XZ) > YZ and (XY + YZ) > XZ.

Therefore, XY > (YZ - XZ) and XY > (XZ - YZ).

Therefore, XY > difference of XZ and YZ.


Note: Three given lengths can be sides of a triangle if the sum of two smaller lengths greater than the greatest length.

For example: 2 cm, 5 cm and 4 cm can be the lengths of three sides of a triangle (since, 2 + 4 = 6 > 5). But 2 cm, 6.5 cm and 4 cm cannot be the lengths of three sides of a triangle (since, 2 + 4 ≯ 6.5).





9th Grade Math

From The Sum of any Two Sides of a Triangle is Greater than the Third Side to HOME PAGE




Didn't find what you were looking for? Or want to know more information about Math Only Math. Use this Google Search to find what you need.



New! Comments

Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below. Ask a Question or Answer a Question.




Share this page: What’s this?

Recent Articles

  1. 2nd Grade Geometry Worksheet | Plane and Solid Shapes | Point | Line

    Dec 11, 24 09:08 AM

    Curved Line and Straight Line
    2nd grade geometry worksheet

    Read More

  2. Types of Lines |Straight Lines|Curved Lines|Horizontal Lines| Vertical

    Dec 09, 24 10:39 PM

    Types of Lines
    What are the different types of lines? There are two different kinds of lines. (i) Straight line and (ii) Curved line. There are three different types of straight lines. (i) Horizontal lines, (ii) Ver…

    Read More

  3. Points and Line Segment | Two Points in a Curved Surface | Curve Line

    Dec 09, 24 01:08 AM

    Curved Lines and Straight Line
    We will discuss here about points and line segment. We know when two lines meet we get a point. When two points on a plane surface are joined, a straight line segment is obtained.

    Read More

  4. Solid Shapes | Basic Geometric Shapes | Common Solid Figures | Plane

    Dec 08, 24 11:19 PM

    Solid Shapes
    We will discuss about basic solid shapes. We see a variety of solid objects in our surroundings. Solid objects have one or more shapes like the following. Match the objects with similar shape.

    Read More

  5. 2nd grade math Worksheets | Free Math Worksheets | By Grade and Topic

    Dec 07, 24 03:38 PM

    2nd Grade Math Worksheet
    2nd grade math worksheets is carefully planned and thoughtfully presented on mathematics for the students.

    Read More