Answer:
a) Yes
b) Not a right triangle
Step-by-step explanation:
Part (a)
The sum of the lengths of any 2 sides of a triangle is greater than the length of the 3rd side.
7 + 8 = 15 > 9
7 + 9 = 16 > 8
8 + 9 = 17 > 7
Therefore, a triangle with side lengths 7, 8 and 9 can be made.
Part (b)
To determine if the triangle is a right triangle, use Pythagoras' Theorem:
a² + b² = c² (where a and b are the legs, and c is the hypotenuse)
The hypotenuse is the longest side, therefore:
Substituting these values into the formula:
⇒ a² + b² = c²
⇒ 7² + 8² ≠ 9²
⇒ 113 ≠ 81
As 7² + 8² ≠ 9² then the triangle is not a right triangle.
