10. In the figure to the right, nis a whole number. What is the smallest possible value for n that will still form a triangle?
Answer: B. 6
Step-by-step explanation:
We can use the triangle inequality theorem to solve this one. It states that a single side in a triangle must not be greater than the other two sides combined.
This leads us to a series of conclusions we can make about this particular triangle.
12 + 18 > n
12 + n > 18
18 + n > 12
We can solve these to find the parameters for n.
30 > n
n > 6
n > -6
Thus we know that n must be between 6 and 30 (since 6 is greater than -6).
Therefore, the smallest possible value is 6.