Ask for hint for problem of inequality

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    Inequality
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around proving the inequality \(x^2 + y^2 \leq 1\) given the condition \(x^3 + y^3 \leq x - y\) for positive real numbers \(x\) and \(y\). Participants explore various approaches, mathematical reasoning, and potential pitfalls in the proof process.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in completing the proof after manipulating the inequality, indicating a need for further guidance.
  • Another participant suggests that from \(\frac{x - y}{x + y} \leq 1\), it follows that \(x^2 + y^2 \leq 1 + xy\), introducing a theorem about inequalities involving small \(\varepsilon\).
  • A subsequent reply questions the applicability of the theorem, particularly regarding the size of \(xy\) and whether it can be considered small.
  • Another participant attempts to demonstrate a contradiction by assuming \(b < a\) and deriving a conclusion that \(a \leq b\), but this leads to further discussion about the conditions under which the theorem holds.
  • One participant provides a counterexample using specific values for \(x\) and \(y\) to challenge the assumptions made in earlier posts.
  • Several participants clarify that \(x\) and \(y\) must be positive real numbers, emphasizing that they cannot be equal and must satisfy the given restrictions.
  • Another participant introduces an alternative method to prove the inequality, suggesting that the condition \(x^3 + y^3 \leq x - y\) implies bounds on \(x\) and \(y\) and leads to a conclusion that \(x^2 + y^2 \leq 1\).

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the validity of certain mathematical approaches and the applicability of theorems. There is no consensus on the best method to prove the inequality, and several competing ideas and interpretations remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants note limitations regarding the assumptions made about the values of \(x\) and \(y\), particularly concerning their positivity and the implications of the inequality. The discussion highlights the complexity of the problem and the need for careful consideration of the conditions under which various claims hold.

anemone
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Problem:

Let x and y be positive real numbers satisfying the inequality $\displaystyle x^3+y^3\le x-y$.

Prove that $\displaystyle x^2+y^2\le 1$ .

Hi all, I'm at my wit's end to prove the question as stated above, and I know it's obvious that $\displaystyle x-y>0$ and $\displaystyle x\ne1,\,y\ne1$, and if I factorized the LHS of the given inequality, I get:

$\displaystyle (x+y)(x^2-xy+y^2)\le x-y$

Now, since $\displaystyle x+y>0$, divide the left and right side by $\displaystyle x+y$ to get:

$\displaystyle x^2-xy+y^2\le\frac{x-y}{x+y}$

$\displaystyle x^2+y^2\le\frac{x-y}{x+y}+xy$

$\displaystyle x^2+y^2\le\frac{x-y+xy(x+y)}{x+y}$

And up to this point, I see no credible path to finish what I've started and I must be missing something very important here...:mad:

As usual, any guidance or help with this problem would be much appreciated.(Smile)

Thanks.
 
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$$
\frac{x - y}{x + y} \leq 1
$$
So $x^2 + y^2 \leq 1 + xy$ .

Theorem:
Given real numbers $a = x^2 + y^2$ and $b = 1$ such that
$$
a\leq b + \varepsilon,\quad \forall\varepsilon > 0.
$$
Then $a\leq b$.
 
Last edited:
dwsmith said:
$$
\frac{x - y}{x + y} \leq 1
$$
So $x^2 + y^2 \leq 1 + xy$ .

Theorem:
Given real numbers $a = x^2 + y^2$ and $b = 1$ such that
$$
a\leq b + \varepsilon,\quad \forall\varepsilon >0
$$
Then $a\leq b$.

Thank you so much for answering to my question, but, I understand that the theorem is true iff $\varepsilon $ is small , and how do we know we have a small value of xy in this case?
 
anemone said:
Thank you so much for answering to my question, but, I understand that the theorem is true iff $\varepsilon $ is small , and how do we know we have a small value of xy in this case?
Suppose on the contrary that $b<a$, then let $\varepsilon = \frac{a - b}{2}$ (which may not be infinitesimal small).
$$
b + \varepsilon = b + \frac{a - b}{2} = \frac{a + b}{2} < \frac{a + a}{2} = a
$$
which is a contradiction.
Therefore, $a\leq b$.
 

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Albert said:

Let $x=y=\frac{1}{2}$.
$$
0\leq\frac{3}{4}\leq\frac{17}{16}\leq 1\leq 2
$$
which isn't true.
Also, x and y can be any real number it says in post 1.
 
x,y are positive real numbers
$ x^3 +y^3 >0 $
$ so\,\, x\neq y$ (in fact x>y)
x,y be real numbers and meet the given restriction ,so at first I find the range of x and y then prove it will satisfy the inequility
(it is clear x,y can't be any real numbers)
 
Last edited:
Albert said:
x,y are positive real numbers
$ x^3 +y^3 >0 $
$ so\,\, x\neq y$ (in fact x>y)
x,y be real numbers and meet the given restriction ,so at first I find the range of x and y then prove it will satisfy the inequility
(it is clear x,y can't be any real numbers)

Pick up Tom Apostles Real Analysis book. The theorem I stated was for all real numbers not just less than 1
 
Here is another method to prove the inequality $$x^2+y^2 \le1$$ given $$x^3+y^3\le x-y$$ for all real $x$ and $y$. I just saw this solution from another site and immediately wanted to add that solution here...

$$x^3+y^3\le x-y$$ tells us $$0\le y \le x$$.

Thus, we have $$ x^3\le x$$ and this implies $$x \le 1$$ and $$0\le y \le x \le 1$$.

In particular, $$x(x+y) \le 1(2) \le 2\;\;\rightarrow\;\;xy(x+y) \le 2y$$.

Finally, $$x^3+y^3=(x+y)(x^2-xy+y^2) \le x-y$$, so

$$x^2-xy+y^2 \le \frac{x-y}{x+y}$$

$$x^2+y^2 \le \frac{x-y}{x+y}+xy \le \frac{x-y+xy(x+y)}{x+y} \le \frac{x-y+2y}{x+y} \le 1$$. (Q.E.D.)

 

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