Question

on the packaging for a triangular sail, the edge measurements for the sail are listed as 7 ft × 15 ft × 17 ft. without unfurling the sail, you want to de the sail forms a right triangle, an acute triangle, or an obtuse triangle. using the tools from this lesson, you determine that the general shape of the sail is a(n) triangle. (options: acute, obtuse, right)

Explanation:

Step1: Identify longest side

Longest side $c = 17$ ft

Step2: Calculate $c^2$

$c^2 = 17^2 = 289$

Step3: Calculate sum of squares of other sides

$a^2 + b^2 = 7^2 + 15^2 = 49 + 225 = 274$

Step4: Compare values

Since $289 > 274$, i.e., $c^2 > a^2 + b^2$, the triangle is obtuse.

Answer:

obtuse