Triangle Side Analysis: Is 41-42-36 a Scalene Triangle?

Triangle Classification with Side Length Comparison

Given the values of the sides of a triangle, is it a triangle with different sides?

414141363636AAABBBCCC42

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:09 Let's find out if this triangle is scalene.
00:12 With the side lengths given, this triangle is definitely scalene.
00:16 And that's how we solve the problem!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Given the values of the sides of a triangle, is it a triangle with different sides?

414141363636AAABBBCCC42

2

Step-by-step solution

To determine if the triangle is scalene, we need to check if all sides are different and if they satisfy the triangle inequality theorem.

  • Step 1: Verify all sides are different:
    Check 413641 \neq 36, 364236 \neq 42, and 414241 \neq 42. All statements are true, indicating all sides have different lengths.
  • Step 2: Check the triangle inequality theorem:
    Evaluate:
    • 41+36=77>4241 + 36 = 77 > 42
    • 41+42=83>3641 + 42 = 83 > 36
    • 36+42=78>4136 + 42 = 78 > 41
    All inequalities are satisfied, confirming it forms a valid triangle.

Since the triangle has all different side lengths and satisfies the triangle inequality, it is indeed a scalene triangle.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is to conclude that the triangle is scalene.

The correct choice is Yes\text{Yes}.

3

Final Answer

Yes

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Definition: Scalene triangles have all three sides with different lengths
  • Technique: Check 41 ≠ 36 ≠ 42, then verify triangle inequality
  • Check: Sum any two sides > third side: 41+36=77>42 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Forgetting to verify triangle inequality theorem
    Don't just check if sides are different lengths = incomplete analysis! You could have three different numbers that don't form a valid triangle. Always verify that the sum of any two sides is greater than the third side.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Choose the appropriate triangle according to the following:

Angle B equals 90 degrees.

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

What's the difference between scalene, isosceles, and equilateral triangles?

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Scalene: All three sides different lengths
Isosceles: Exactly two sides equal
Equilateral: All three sides equal

Why do I need to check the triangle inequality?

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Just because you have three different numbers doesn't mean they can form a triangle! The triangle inequality theorem ensures the sides can actually connect to make a closed shape.

Do I need to check all three combinations for triangle inequality?

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Yes! You must verify that:

  • Side 1 + Side 2 > Side 3
  • Side 1 + Side 3 > Side 2
  • Side 2 + Side 3 > Side 1

If even one fails, it's not a valid triangle.

Can a triangle have sides like 1, 2, and 10?

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No! Check: 1 + 2 = 3, but 3 < 10. This violates the triangle inequality, so these sides cannot form a triangle.

What if two sides are equal in my triangle?

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Then it's isosceles, not scalene! For a triangle to be scalene, all three sides must have completely different lengths.

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