Spherical Triangle: Sum of Two Sides is Always Bigger than Third Side

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the properties of spherical triangles, specifically focusing on the relationship between the lengths of the sides and the assertion that the sum of two sides is always greater than the third side.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore examples or proofs related to the property of side lengths in spherical triangles. There is mention of the spherical law of cosines and a consideration of basic geometric principles, such as the shortest distance between two points. Some participants also question the implications of the converse scenario where the third side is equal to or less than the sum of the other two sides.

Discussion Status

The discussion is actively exploring various aspects of the topic, with participants raising questions and suggesting different angles of consideration. No consensus has been reached, but there are indications of productive inquiry into the properties of spherical triangles.

Contextual Notes

Participants are examining the foundational assumptions related to the properties of triangles in spherical geometry, including potential constraints or definitions that may affect their reasoning.

prinsinn
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Do you know any good example (or proof) that shows that the sum of two sides is alwasys bigger than the third side in a spherical triangle.
 
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spherical "law of cosines"
 
How about simply "a straight line is the shortest distance between two points"?
 
Think about the converse. What is a triangle like when the third side is equal to or less then the 2 other sides put together?
 

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