Try to construct triangles using matchsticks. Some are shown here. Can you make a triangle with (a) 3 matchsticks? (b) 4 matchsticks? (c) 5 matchsticks? (d) 6 matchsticks? (Remember you have to use all the available matchsticks in each case) Name the type of triangle in each case. If you cannot make a triangle, think of reason for it.

Question

Philoid · Accepted Answer

(a) We can make a triangle by using 3 matchsticks. According to the property of a triangle the sum of two sides is greater than the length of the remaining side. It can be an equilateral triangle as it has all equal sides.

(b) By using 4 matchsticks it is not possible to make a triangle because in a triangle the sum of the two sides is greater than the length of the remaining side.

(c) Yes we can form a triangle by using 5 matchsticks.

(d) With the help of 6 matchsticks we can form a triangle.