Question

Determine if the following lengths make an acute, right or obtuse triangle. 6. 4, 20, 21.

Ask by Lowe Gonzalez. in the United States
Jan 22,2025

Real Tutor Solution

Tutor-Verified Answer

Answer

The triangle with sides 4, 20, and 21 is an obtuse triangle.

Solution

Sign in to Unlock Answers for Free!

A Learning Platform Trusted by Millions of Real Students and Teachers.

star-icon Unlock

Reviewed and approved by the UpStudy tutoring team

Extra Insights

To determine the type of triangle formed by the sides 4, 20, and 21, you can use the triangle inequality theorem, which states the sum of the lengths of any two sides must be greater than the length of the third side. Here, 4 + 20 = 24, which is greater than 21. Then, 4 + 21 = 25, greater than 20. Finally, 20 + 21 = 41, greater than 4. So these lengths can indeed form a triangle! Next, apply the converse of the Pythagorean theorem. For an acute triangle, \(a^2 + b^2 > c^2\); for a right triangle, \(a^2 + b^2 = c^2\); and for an obtuse triangle, \(a^2 + b^2 < c^2\). Using 4, 20, and 21 with 21 as the longest side: 4² + 20² = 16 + 400 = 416 and 21² = 441. Since 416 < 441, this means the triangle is obtuse. An obtuse triangle has one angle greater than 90 degrees, making it perfect for a dramatic scene or a cool visual effect in your next art project—just think of those bold angles! Want a fun fact? The oldest known triangle is believed to be over 4,000 years old, found in ancient Egypt—proof that triangles have been impressing and baffling us for ages!

Try Premium now!
Try Premium and ask Thoth AI unlimited math questions now!
Maybe later Go Premium
Study can be a real struggle
Why not UpStudy it?
Select your plan below
Premium

You can enjoy

Start now
  • Step-by-step explanations
  • 24/7 expert live tutors
  • Unlimited number of questions
  • No interruptions
  • Full access to Answer and Solution
  • Full Access to PDF Chat, UpStudy Chat, Browsing Chat
Basic

Totally free but limited

  • Limited Solution
Welcome to UpStudy!
Please sign in to continue the Thoth AI Chat journey
Continue with Email
Or continue with
By clicking “Sign in”, you agree to our Terms of Use & Privacy Policy