Prove AB CD + AD BC < AC(AB+AD) for Convex Quadrilateral ABCD

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    2017
In summary, to prove the inequality AB CD + AD BC < AC(AB+AD) for a convex quadrilateral, we can use the triangle inequality theorem and the fact that the sum of interior angles of a convex quadrilateral is equal to 360 degrees. This theorem states that the sum of any two sides of a triangle must be greater than the third side, which relates to the inequality by applying it to the triangles ABP and ADP. A convex quadrilateral is necessary for this inequality to hold, as the diagonals must intersect inside the shape. It cannot be applied to non-convex quadrilaterals due to the lack of intersection of the diagonals.
  • #1
anemone
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Here is this week's POTW:

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The sum of the angles $A$ and $C$ of a convex quadrilateral $ABCD$ is less than $180^\circ$.

Prove that $AB\cdot CD+AD \cdot BC <AC(AB+AD)$.

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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's problem.(Sadface)

You can find the suggested solution below:

Let $O$ be the circumcircle $ABD$. Then the point $C$ is outside this circle, but inside the $\angle BAD$. Let us apply the inversion with the center $A$ and radius $1$. This inversion maps the circle $O$ to the line $O'=B'D'$, where $B'$ and $D'$ are images of $B$ and $D$. The point $C$ goes to the point $C'$ inside the triangle $AB'D'$. Therefore $B'C'+C'D'<AB'+AD'$. Now, due to inversion properties, we have

$B'C'=\dfrac{BC}{AB\cdot AC},\,C'D'=\dfrac{CD}{AC\cdot AD},\,AB'=\dfrac{1}{AB},\,AD'=\dfrac{1}{AD}$

Hence

$\dfrac{BC}{AB\cdot AC}+\dfrac{CD}{AC\cdot AD}<\dfrac{1}{AB}+\dfrac{1}{AD}$

Multiplying the above by $AB\cdot AC \cdot AD$ the result follows.
 

Related to Prove AB CD + AD BC < AC(AB+AD) for Convex Quadrilateral ABCD

1. How do you prove the inequality AB CD + AD BC < AC(AB+AD) for a convex quadrilateral?

To prove this inequality, we will use the triangle inequality theorem and the fact that the sum of interior angles of a convex quadrilateral is equal to 360 degrees.

2. What is the triangle inequality theorem?

The triangle inequality theorem states that the sum of any two sides of a triangle must be greater than the third side.

3. How does the triangle inequality theorem relate to the inequality AB CD + AD BC < AC(AB+AD)?

By applying the triangle inequality theorem to the triangles ABP and ADP, where P is the intersection of the diagonals of ABCD, we can show that AB + AD > BP + DP and AB + AD > AP + AP. Combining these two inequalities, we get AB + AD > BP + DP + AP + AP = AC.

4. What is the significance of a convex quadrilateral in this inequality?

A convex quadrilateral is important because it guarantees that the diagonals of the quadrilateral intersect inside the shape, which is necessary for applying the triangle inequality theorem.

5. Can this inequality be applied to non-convex quadrilaterals?

No, this inequality only holds for convex quadrilaterals. In non-convex quadrilaterals, the diagonals do not intersect inside the shape, so the triangle inequality theorem cannot be applied.

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