Can You Prove These Inequalities for Real Numbers a, b, and c?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers around proving inequalities for real numbers \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\) under the conditions \(a < b < c\), \(a + b + c = 6\), and \(ab + bc + ca = 9\). The goal is to establish that \(0 < a < 1 < b < 3 < c < 4\). Participants are encouraged to submit solutions, with an extended deadline for submissions to foster engagement and collaboration.

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anemone
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Here is this week's POTW:

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Let $a<b<c$ be real numbers such that $a+b+c=6$ and $ab+bc+ca=9$. Prove that $0<a<1<b<3<c<4$.

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Hi all!

Just to let you all know that I will extend the deadline to solve last week's POTW (which actually due today) to next week, with the great hope to receive any submission of solution from the members! (Happy)
 
Let $abc=k$, this makes $a,\,b$ and $c$ become the roots of the cubic equation $x^3-6x^2+9x-k=0$.

The cubic equation can be rewritten as $x(x-3)^2=k$.

Plot the graph of $f(x)=x(x-3)^2$ and the horizontal line of $y=k$ with condition $0<k<4$ on the same diagram. Since the roots are real, the line $y=k$ can only be moved in such a way that it always cuts the curve at 3 distinct points in such a way that $0<a<1<b<3<c<4$.

[TIKZ][scale=3]
\draw[help lines] (0,0) grid (5,4);
\draw[thick,->] (0,0) -- (4.5,0) node[anchor=north west] {x axis};
\draw[thick,->] (0,0) -- (0,4.5) node[anchor=south east] {y axis};
\draw[ domain=-0.2:4, samples=100] plot (\x,\x^3 - 6*\x^2 +9*\x);
\draw (0,3.2) -- (4,3.2);
\foreach \x in {0,1,2,3,4}
\draw (\x cm,1pt) -- (\x cm,-1pt) node[anchor=north] {$\x$};
\foreach \y in {0,1,2,3,4}
\draw (1pt,\y cm) -- (-1pt,\y cm) node[anchor=east] {$\y$};
\node at (3.6,2) {\large $y=f(x)$};
\node at (4.2,3.2) {\large $y=k$};
\draw[ densely dashed,color=blue] (0,4) -- (4,4);
\draw[ densely dashed,color=blue] (4,0) -- (4,4);
\draw[ densely dashed,color=blue] (0.52,0) -- (0.52,3.2);
\draw[ densely dashed,color=blue] (1,0) -- (1,3.2);
\draw[ densely dashed,color=blue] (1.58,0) -- (1.58,3.2);
\draw[ densely dashed,color=blue] (3.9,0) -- (3.9,3.2);
\node at (0.52,-0.08) {$a$};
\node at (1.58,-0.08) {$b$};
\node at (3.9,-0.08) {$c$};
[/TIKZ]
 

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