Step-by-step answer:
We know that for a given circle of radius R, the longest chord is the diameter, which is at 0 distance from the centre.
As we move the chord away from the centre, the chord length diminishes, up to at a distance R from the centre, the chord length is zero.
Therefore, the chord at 3 inches from the centre is longer than that at 5, assuming the radius is 5 inches or more.
