Question

In triangle XYZ, the length of side XY is 26 mm and the length of side YZ is 37 mm. Which of the following could be the length of side XZ?
A. 68 mm
B. 44 mm
C. 9 mm
D. 65 mm

Answer 1

To solve this, you can use the triangle inequality theorem: Side 1 + Side 2 must be greater than Side 3. So, plug in 26 for Side 1 and 37 for Side 2, add them
together, and see which number is smaller than 27 + 37.

Answer 2

A). 68
D). 65
If the third side was either of these, then (26 + 37) = 63 could not
reach between the ends of it.  A triangle could not be formed.

C). 9
If the third side was this, then it could not reach between the ends
of the 26 and the 37 . . . they're always AT LEAST 11 mm apart.

B). 44
This is the ONLY one on the list that can make a triangle
along with 26 and 37.