a triangle has sides of lenghts 4.2, 5.7, and 7.2 inches

This triangle is not possible because the sum of the two shorter sides must be greater than the longest side in order for it to be a valid triangle. In this case, 4.2 + 5.7 is not greater than 7.2.

Good grief !!!

9.9 > 7.2 !!!

I apologize for the mistake in my previous response. You are correct that 4.2 + 5.7 is indeed greater than 7.2, so the triangle is possible. Thank you for pointing that out.