Triangle Inequality: 2 Ways to Write It?

In summary, the Triangle Inequality is a mathematical rule that states the sum of any two sides of a triangle must be greater than the length of the third side. It can be written as a direct or indirect inequality and is used to determine if three lengths can form a triangle and in solving problems involving triangles. The rule applies to all types of triangles and is closely related to the Pythagorean Theorem.
  • #1
coverband
171
1
Is it possible to write the triangle inequality in 2 ways:

1. d(x,z) <= d(x,y) + d(y,z)
2. d(x,y) <= d(x,z) + d(z,y) ?

If so, are these the only 2 ways?
Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Well, you could say [itex]d(a,b)\le d(a,c)+ d(c,b)[/itex] or [itex]d(x,u)\le d(x,v)+ d(v,u)[/itex] or pretty much any letters you wanted. But I wouldn't say those were "different" any more than I would say the two you give are "different".
 

1. What is the Triangle Inequality?

The Triangle Inequality is a mathematical rule that applies to triangles. It states that the sum of any two sides of a triangle must be greater than the length of the third side.

2. How is the Triangle Inequality written?

There are two ways to write the Triangle Inequality:
1. In its simplest form, it is written as a direct inequality: |a + b| > c. This means that the absolute value of the sum of sides a and b must be greater than the length of side c.
2. It can also be written as an indirect inequality: a + b > c. This means that the sum of sides a and b must be greater than the length of side c, without taking the absolute value.

3. What is the purpose of the Triangle Inequality?

The Triangle Inequality is used to determine whether three given lengths can form a triangle. If the rule is not satisfied, then the lengths cannot form a triangle. It is also used in geometry to prove theorems and solve problems involving triangles.

4. Can the Triangle Inequality be applied to any type of triangle?

Yes, the Triangle Inequality applies to all types of triangles, including equilateral, isosceles, and scalene triangles. It is a fundamental rule that applies to all triangles in Euclidean geometry.

5. How is the Triangle Inequality related to the Pythagorean Theorem?

The Triangle Inequality is closely related to the Pythagorean Theorem, which states that in a right triangle, the square of the length of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides. The Triangle Inequality can be seen as a generalization of the Pythagorean Theorem, as it applies to all types of triangles and not just right triangles.

Similar threads

Replies
18
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
889
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • General Math
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
621
Replies
2
Views
949
Back
Top