Prove a^2+b^2+c^2 ≥ ab + ac + bc | ABC

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around proving the inequality a² + b² + c² ≥ ab + ac + bc. Participants explore various mathematical approaches and reasoning related to this inequality, including identities and special cases.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests a proof for the inequality a² + b² + c² ≥ ab + ac + bc.
  • Another participant suggests transforming the identity 1 + 1 = 2 into a form that relates to the original inequality.
  • It is noted that a² + b² ≥ ab can be derived from (a - b)² ≥ 0, leading to further exploration of related expressions.
  • A participant proposes assuming a² + b² + c² < ab + ac + bc and examining a special case involving negative values to find a contradiction.
  • However, another participant points out that this approach only works under specific conditions that may not hold true.
  • One participant presents an identity that expresses a² + b² + c² - ab - ac - bc in terms of squared differences, asserting that the right-hand side is always non-negative.
  • Another participant reiterates this identity, emphasizing its role in proving the inequality.
  • There is a light-hearted exchange regarding the presentation of the solution, with some participants commenting on the clarity of communication.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the approaches to proving the inequality. While some suggest specific methods and identities, others challenge the validity of certain assumptions or cases, indicating that no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Some approaches depend on specific assumptions about the values of a, b, and c, and the discussion includes unresolved mathematical steps related to the inequality.

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can anyone prove this :
a^2+b^2+c^2 ( is greater or equal to ) ab + ac + bc
thanx
regards
abc
 
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A very important identity in mathematics is:
1+1=2
Note that this is readily transformed into another important identity:
[tex]\frac{1}{2}+\frac{1}{2}=1[/tex]
now, try to rewrite
[tex](\frac{1}{2}+\frac{1}{2})a^{2}+(\frac{1}{2}+\frac{1}{2})b^{2}+(\frac{1}{2}+\frac{1}{2})c^{2}-ab-ac-bc[/tex]
 
This is like...
a^2+b^2 >= ab, right?

take (a-b)^2 >= 0.
(a-b)^2=a^2+b^2-2ab.
so a^2+b^2 >= 2ab >=ab.

so now u want a^2+b^2+c^2,
so take (a-b-c)^2, and (a+b-c)^2, etc...
and do the same sort of thing, a bit trickier though.
 
arildno's approach is much nicer...but forgive his efforts at humor.
 
**Sigh**

I miss the dinosaurs. -ss
:smile:
 
How about...we assume a^2 + b^2 + c^2 < ab + ac + bc and consider a special case where 'a' being minus and absolute value of 'a' is greater than the absolute value of b for ovious reason to lead a contradiction. So it will prove the negation of what assumed is true.
 
it will only provide a contradiction in the special case where a is negative and in abs value greater then b, which need not be true.
 
Use the identity for [tex]a^2 + b^2 + c^2 - ab - bc - ca[/tex]:

[tex] a^2 + b^2 + c^2 - ab - bc - ca = \frac{1}{2}[(a-b)^{2} + (b-c)^{2} + (c-a)^{2}][/tex]

The right hand side is always greater than or equal to zero (equality in the case a = b = c). This proves the result.

Hope that helps...

Cheers
Vivek
 
Last edited:
maverick280857 said:
Use the identity for [tex]a^2 + b^2 + c^2 - ab - bc - ca[/tex]:

[tex] a^2 + b^2 + c^2 - ab - bc - ca = \frac{1}{2}[(a-b)^{2} + (b-c)^{2} + (c-a)^{2}][/tex]

The right hand side is always greater than or equal to zero (equality in the case a = b = c). This proves the result.

Hope that helps...

Cheers
Vivek
This is exactly what arildno was saying - without actually putting the spoon in the mouth.
 
  • #10
Oh well I didn't quite figure that out and since the question seemed unanswered to me so I went ahead and posted the solution (put the spoon in the mouth if you like it that way) :-). Its been quite a while since it was posted anyway.

Cheers
Vivek
 

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