Final Answer:
Yes, Kathy can place the printer 9 ft from the filing cabinet with the other two distances being 7 ft and 2 ft.
Step-by-step explanation:
This scenario can be analyzed using the Triangle Inequality, which states:
The sum of any two sides of a triangle must be greater than the third side.
In this case, we have three sides:
Printer to filing cabinet: 9 ft
First distance: 7 ft
Second distance: 2 ft
To ensure a valid triangle, the sum of any two sides must be greater than the remaining side. Let's check each combination:
Printer + first distance: 9 ft + 7 ft = 16 ft (greater than 2 ft)
First distance + second distance: 7 ft + 2 ft = 9 ft (greater than 9 ft)
Printer + second distance: 9 ft + 2 ft = 11 ft (greater than 7 ft)
Therefore, all three combinations satisfy the Triangle Inequality, meaning the three distances can form a valid triangle. So, yes, Kathy can place the printer 9 ft from the filing cabinet with the other two distances being 7 ft and 2 ft.