Question

(a) Try to construct triangles using matchsticks.

(b) Can you make a triangle with?

(i) 3 matchsticks?

(ii) 4 matchsticks?

(iii) 5 matchsticks?

(iv) 6 matchsticks?

Name the type of triangle in each case. If you cannot make a triangle think of the reason for it.

Answer 1

(b) (i) With the help of 3 matchsticks, we can make an equilateral triangle. Since all three matchsticks are of equal length.

(ii) With the help of 4 matchsticks, we cannot make any triangle because in this case, sum of two sides is equal to the third side and we know that the sum of the lengths of any two sides of a triangle is always greater than the length of the third side.

(iii) With the help of 5 matchsticks, we can make an isosceles triangle. Since we get two sides equal in this case.

(iv) With the help of 6 matchsticks, we can make an equilateral triangle. Since we get three sides equal in length.