Can you solve this inequality involving positive real numbers?

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In summary, an inequality involving positive real numbers is a mathematical statement that compares two or more positive real numbers using symbols such as <, >, ≤, or ≥. To solve such an inequality, you follow the same rules as solving an equation, but when multiplying or dividing by a negative number, the inequality sign will flip. The purpose of solving an inequality involving positive real numbers is to find the range of values that satisfy the inequality, which can be useful in real-life situations. It is possible to solve an inequality involving positive real numbers with more than one variable, but it may require additional strategies. Special cases to keep in mind when solving such an inequality include absolute value, fractions or decimals, and variables in the denominator.
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anemone
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Here is this week's POTW:

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The positive reals $x,\,y$ satisfy $x^2+y^3\ge x^3+y^4$. Show that $x^3+y^3\le 2$.

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No one answered last week's POTW.

Below is a suggested solution from other:
If both $x$ and $y$ $\le0$, then the inequality is obvious.

If both $x$ and $y$ $>1$, then they do not satisfy the condition. So either $x\ge 1 \ge y$ or $y\ge 1 \ge x$ is true.

We show first that $x^3+y^3\le x^2+y^2$.

In the first case, we have

$x^2+y^2(1-y)\ge x^2+y^3(1-y)\ge x^3+y^4-y^4=x^3$

So $x^2+y^2\ge x^3+y^3$ as required.

In the second case, we have

$x^2\ge x^3+y^3(y-1)\ge x^3+y^2(y-1)$

So again $x^2+y^2\ge x^3+y^3$

Now by Cauchy-Schwartz inequality,

$x^2+y^2=x^{\frac{3}{2}}x^{\frac{1}{2}}+y^{\frac{3}{2}}y^{\frac{1}{2}}\le \sqrt{x^3+y^3}\sqrt{x+y}$

But $x^2+y^2\ge x^3+y3$ so $x^2+y2\le x+y$

Since $2xy\le x^2+y2$ so $(x+y)^2\le 2(x^2+y^2)$

Since we have proved $2(x^2+y^2)\le 2(x+y)$ we therefore obtain

$x+y\le 2$.

Thus we have

$x^3+y^3\le x^2+y^2\le x+y \le 2$.
 

Related to Can you solve this inequality involving positive real numbers?

1. What is an inequality involving positive real numbers?

An inequality involving positive real numbers is a mathematical statement that compares two positive real numbers using symbols such as <, >, ≤, or ≥. These symbols represent less than, greater than, less than or equal to, and greater than or equal to, respectively.

2. How do you solve an inequality involving positive real numbers?

To solve an inequality involving positive real numbers, you need to isolate the variable on one side of the inequality sign. You can do this by using inverse operations, similar to solving equations. Remember to flip the inequality sign if you multiply or divide by a negative number.

3. Can you provide an example of solving an inequality involving positive real numbers?

Yes, for example, let's solve the inequality 2x + 5 > 15 involving positive real numbers. First, we subtract 5 from both sides to isolate the variable: 2x > 10. Then, we divide both sides by 2 to get x > 5. Therefore, any positive real number greater than 5 would make this inequality true.

4. What is the solution set of an inequality involving positive real numbers?

The solution set of an inequality involving positive real numbers is the set of all values of the variable that make the inequality true. It can be represented using interval notation or set-builder notation.

5. How do you graph an inequality involving positive real numbers?

To graph an inequality involving positive real numbers, you first need to rewrite it in slope-intercept form (y = mx + b). Then, plot the y-intercept (b) and use the slope (m) to find at least two more points on the line. Finally, depending on the inequality symbol, you can either use a solid or dashed line and shade the appropriate region on the graph.

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