Constructing a Triangle With Three Given Sides

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Suppose we want to construct a triangle with sides 5 cm, 6 cm and 7 cm. We use compass and ruler. Start with the base, and mark a line of 5 cm, PQ below.

Open the compass to a length of 6 cm and draw an arc as shown below.

Now open the compass to a length of 7 cm and from the other end of the base, draw an arc as shown below.

The arcs so drawn cross at the third vertex, R, of the triangle.