SAT Math › How to find the perimeter of an acute / obtuse triangle
If a = 7 and b = 4, which of the following could be the perimeter of the triangle?
I. 11
II. 15
III. 25
I Only
II Only
I and II Only
II and III Only
I, II and III
Consider the perimeter of a triangle:
P = a + b + c
Since we know a and b, we can find c.
In I:
11 = 7 + 4 + c
11 = 11 + c
c = 0
Note that if c = 0, the shape is no longer a trial. Thus, we can eliminate I.
In II:
15 = 7 + 4 + c
15 = 11 + c
c = 4.
This is plausible given that the other sides are 7 and 4.
In III:
25 = 7 + 4 + c
25 = 11 + c
c = 14.
It is not possible for one side of a triangle to be greater than the sum of both of the other sides, so eliminate III.
Thus we are left with only II.
Which of the following measurements can NOT represent the sides of a triangle.
Given the Triangle Inequality, the sum of any two sides of a triangle must be greater than the third side.
Given the measurements :
Therefore, these lengths cannot represent a triangle.