C PROGRAMMING PROGRAM • DECISION MAKING

Classify a Triangle by Its Sides

Learn how to classify a triangle by its sides using a clear C program.

BeginnerNested decisionsEqualityTriangle types

PROBLEM UNDERSTANDING

Input and expected output

Sample input
5 5 8
Sample output
Isosceles triangle

COMPLETE C PROGRAM

Complete C implementation

triangle-type-by-sides.c
Open in compiler
#include <stdio.h>

int main(void)
{
    int first, second, third;

    printf("Enter three side lengths: ");
    scanf("%d %d %d", &first, &second, &third);
    if (first <= 0 || second <= 0 || third <= 0 ||
        first + second <= third || first + third <= second || second + third <= first)
        printf("Invalid triangle\n");
    else if (first == second && second == third)
        printf("Equilateral triangle\n");
    else if (first == second || second == third || first == third)
        printf("Isosceles triangle\n");
    else
        printf("Scalene triangle\n");
    return 0;
}

GUIDED CODE TOUR • NOT LIVE EXECUTION

Study the program line by line

Use the real compiler button above to run and debug with different inputs.

CURRENT STEP

Select Start to walk through the important lines.

SELECTED LINE

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EXPECTED OUTPUT FOR THE SAMPLE

Isosceles triangle
0%Step 0 of 0

PROGRAM EXPLANATION

Algorithm and explanation

  1. Read the required input values.
  2. Validate the triangle first, then compare side equality patterns.
  3. Display the computed result.

Validate the triangle first, then compare side equality patterns.

EFFICIENCY

Time and space complexity

Time complexity

O(1)

Auxiliary space

O(1)

DEBUGGING CHECKLIST

Common mistakes

Check this

Use the correct format specifier for every variable.

Check this

Initialize variables before using their values.

Check this

Check braces, semicolons and input order carefully.

Try it yourself

Practice: Run the program with the sample input, predict its output, and then test one boundary case of your own.