Can You Solve This Challenging Inequality Involving Real Numbers?

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  • Thread starter anemone
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    2016
In summary, an inequality for real numbers is a mathematical expression that shows the relationship between two real numbers, where one number is greater than or less than the other. It can be proven using various techniques such as algebraic manipulation and substitution, and is important in understanding mathematical concepts and solving real-world problems. Other types of inequalities, such as strict inequalities, compound inequalities, and absolute value inequalities, also exist and involve different mathematical operations and properties.
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anemone
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Here is this week's POTW:

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The reals $x$ and $y$ are such that $0 < x< 1$ , and $y> 0$, prove that

\(\displaystyle (x+ y)\left(\frac{1}{x}+\frac{1}{y} -\frac{4}{(x+1)^2}\right) ≥ \frac{4}{(x+1)^2}.\)

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Remember to read the http://www.mathhelpboards.com/showthread.php?772-Problem-of-the-Week-%28POTW%29-Procedure-and-Guidelines to find out how to http://www.mathhelpboards.com/forms.php?do=form&fid=2!
 
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  • #2
No one answered last week problem. :(

You can see my solution as follows:
Since $(x+1)^2>0$ and $xy>0$, we can multiply through the inequality by $xy(x+1)^2$, and it remains to prove $(x + y)^2(x+1)^2− 4xy(x+y) ≥ 4xy$, but note that

\(\displaystyle \begin{align*}(x + y)^2(x+1)^2− 4xy(x+y) -4xy&=(x^2+xy+x+y)^2-4xy(x+y+1)\\&=(x(x+y+1)+y)^2-4xy(x+y+1)\\&=x^2(x+y+1)^2+2xy(x+y+1)+y^2-4xy(x+y+1)\\&=x^2(x+y+1)^2-2xy(x+y+1)+y^2\\&=(x(x+y+1)-y)^2\end{align*}\)

and this quantity is definitely greater than or equals to zero, and the result follows.
 

Related to Can You Solve This Challenging Inequality Involving Real Numbers?

1. What is the definition of an inequality for real numbers?

An inequality for real numbers is a mathematical expression that shows the relationship between two real numbers, where one number is greater than or less than the other.

2. How do you prove an inequality for real numbers?

An inequality for real numbers can be proven by using various mathematical techniques such as algebraic manipulation, substitution, or by using known properties of inequalities such as the transitive and symmetric properties.

3. Can you give an example of proving an inequality for real numbers?

For example, to prove the inequality x + 5 > x + 2 for all real numbers x, we can subtract x from both sides to get 5 > 2, which is true for all real numbers. Thus, the original inequality holds true.

4. What is the importance of proving inequalities for real numbers?

Proving inequalities for real numbers is important in mathematics because it helps us understand the relationship between numbers and can be used to solve various real-world problems. It also helps to strengthen our understanding of mathematical concepts and techniques.

5. Are there any other types of inequalities besides those for real numbers?

Yes, there are other types of inequalities such as strict inequalities, compound inequalities, and absolute value inequalities. These types of inequalities involve different mathematical operations and may have different properties compared to inequalities for real numbers.

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