Solved on Jan 22, 2024

Identify the set of 3 numbers that could represent the sides of a triangle. Options: {4,16,21}\{4,16,21\}, {9,14,20}\{9,14,20\}, {11,14,27}\{11,14,27\}, {6,14,20}\{6,14,20\}.

STEP 1

Assumptions
1. We are given four sets of three numbers each.
2. We need to determine which set(s) can represent the sides of a triangle.
3. To form a triangle, the sum of the lengths of any two sides must be greater than the length of the third side. This is known as the triangle inequality theorem.

STEP 2

We will apply the triangle inequality theorem to each set of numbers. The triangle inequality theorem states that for any triangle with sides of lengths aa, bb, and cc, the following must be true:
a+b>ca + b > c a+c>ba + c > b b+c>ab + c > a

STEP 3

Check the first set {4,16,21}\{4,16,21\} using the triangle inequality theorem.

STEP 4

Check if 4+16>214 + 16 > 21.
4+16=204 + 16 = 20
Since 2020 is not greater than 2121, the first set does not satisfy the triangle inequality theorem.

STEP 5

Check the second set {9,14,20}\{9,14,20\} using the triangle inequality theorem.

STEP 6

Check if 9+14>209 + 14 > 20.
9+14=239 + 14 = 23
Since 2323 is greater than 2020, the first condition is satisfied.

STEP 7

Check if 9+20>149 + 20 > 14.
9+20=299 + 20 = 29
Since 2929 is greater than 1414, the second condition is satisfied.

STEP 8

Check if 14+20>914 + 20 > 9.
14+20=3414 + 20 = 34
Since 3434 is greater than 99, the third condition is satisfied.

STEP 9

Since all three conditions of the triangle inequality theorem are satisfied, the second set {9,14,20}\{9,14,20\} can represent the sides of a triangle.

STEP 10

Check the third set {11,14,27}\{11,14,27\} using the triangle inequality theorem.

STEP 11

Check if 11+14>2711 + 14 > 27.
11+14=2511 + 14 = 25
Since 2525 is not greater than 2727, the third set does not satisfy the triangle inequality theorem.

STEP 12

Check the fourth set {6,14,20}\{6,14,20\} using the triangle inequality theorem.

STEP 13

Check if 6+14>206 + 14 > 20.
6+14=206 + 14 = 20
Since 2020 is not greater than 2020, the fourth set does not satisfy the triangle inequality theorem.

STEP 14

Conclude which set(s) can represent the sides of a triangle.
The only set that satisfies the triangle inequality theorem is {9,14,20}\{9,14,20\}.
Therefore, the set of numbers that could represent the three sides of a triangle is {9,14,20}\{9,14,20\}.

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