Discrete Math Proofs Involving Real Numbers. 1. Prove that for every three positive real numbers a, b, and c that (a+b+c) \cdot (1/a+1/b+1/c) >= 9.

Terry Briggs

Terry Briggs

Answered question

2022-09-04

Discrete Math Proofs Involving Real Numbers
1 . Prove that for every three positive real numbers a, b, and c that
( a + b + c ) ( 1 a + 1 b + 1 c ) 9
2. Prove that for every three positive real numbers a, b, and c that a 2 + b 2 + c 2 a b + b c + a c.
I have tried direct proof and have not gotten anywhere significant. I won't put the work on there since it is way too long and I don't think it will help. There must be some sort of trick involved, but for the life of me, I cannot figure it out.

Answer & Explanation

Andrejkoxg

Andrejkoxg

Beginner2022-09-05Added 20 answers

Step 1
1) Without loss of generality, a b c. Then ( a + b + c ) ( 1 a + 1 b + 1 c ) = 3 + a b + a c + b a + b c + c a + c b . Which of these ratios is at least 1?
Step 2
2) play with ( ± a ± b ± c ) 2 0.
London Maldonado

London Maldonado

Beginner2022-09-06Added 13 answers

Step 1
For (2), use the fact that
( a b ) 2 + ( b c ) 2 + ( c a ) 2 0.
Step 2
For (1), use the hint of Ittay Weiss, and the fact that if x is positive, then x + 1 x 2. This follows from the fact that
x + 1 x 2 = ( x 1 x ) 2 .

Do you have a similar question?

Recalculate according to your conditions!

New Questions in Discrete math

Ask your question.
Get an expert answer.

Let our experts help you. Answer in as fast as 15 minutes.

Didn't find what you were looking for?