Finding the minimum length of a triangle side

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shenmue21

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Dec 14, 2010
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Problem: Triangle BRN has its first side (which is the longest side) BR, which has a length of 8. Then the second side given is BN, which has a length of 6. What is the minimum length of the third side, NR?

The part I do not understand is the formula required to figure out the minimum length.

Thats about it, thanks.
 
This is an eyeball problem testing your knowledge of the "Triangle Inequality"

The triangle inequality wants you to know that the sum of the lengths any two sides must exceed the length of the third side.

In this case, we've established that the third side measures less than 6. In addition, the inequality demands 6 + (length of third side) > 8.

We're about to have a dilemma. EQUALITY will not do. You cannot get a triangle with 2, 6, and 8. It must be greater than 2. Sadly, there is no such MINUMUM value. It's an open set!! So, if you've quoted the problem exactly, it's a very bad problem. If you left off an important fact, like "the three sides are integer lengths", then we can find an answer. If it has to be an integer, the answer is 3.
 
thanks man, the problem was probably worded badly. But thanks again for the help :D
 
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