Samantha has three hog panels. Panel A is 7 feet long, panel B is 9 feet long, and panel C is 3 feet long. If the full length of each panel is used, can she build a triangular pen to hold her pet pig?
To determine if Samantha can build a triangular pen using the three hog panels, we need to check if the sum of the lengths of any two sides of a triangle is greater than the length of the third side.
Let's label the panels as follows:
Panel A = 7 feet
Panel B = 9 feet
Panel C = 3 feet
Now, let's check the conditions for forming a triangle:
1. Panel A + Panel B > Panel C
7 + 9 > 3
16 > 3
This condition is met.
2. Panel B + Panel C > Panel A
9 + 3 > 7
12 > 7
This condition is met.
3. Panel A + Panel C > Panel B
7 + 3 > 9
10 > 9
This condition is met.
Since all three conditions are met, Samantha can build a triangular pen using the three hog panels.