question_answer 35)

Try to construct triangles using matchsticks. Some are shown here. Can you make a triangle with (a) 3 matchsticks? (b) 4 matchsticks? (c) 5 matchsticks? (d) 6 matchsticks? (Remember you have to use all the available matchsticks in each case) Name the type of triangle in each case. If you cannot make a triangle. Think of reasons for it.

Answer:

(a) With the help of 3 matchsticks, we can make an equilateral triangle. Since all three matchsticks are of equal length. (b) With the help of 4 matchsticks, we cannot make any triangle because in this case, sum of two sides is equal to 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. (c) With the help of 5 matchsticks, we can make an isosceles triangle. Since, we get two sides equal in this case. (d) With the help of 6 matchsticks, we can make an equilateral triangle. Since, we get three sides equal in this case.