Can You Prove This Triangle Inequality Without A Hint?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around proving a specific triangle inequality involving the sides of a triangle and a real number parameter. The focus is on the mathematical reasoning and approaches to demonstrate the validity of the inequality.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the inequality $(a+1)(y^2a+z^2)>x^2a$ as a claim to be proven for any real number $a$.
  • Another participant expresses that they could not solve the problem without a hint, indicating a reliance on external guidance for the proof.
  • A similar sentiment is echoed by another participant who also states they could not solve the problem without the hint.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There appears to be no consensus on the proof of the inequality, as multiple participants indicate difficulty in solving it without hints. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the proof itself.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not provided specific assumptions or definitions that may be necessary for the proof, and the discussion lacks detailed mathematical steps that could clarify the reasoning behind the inequality.

anemone
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Let $x,\,y$ and $z$ be the lengths of the sides of a triangle. Show that for every real number $a$, the following inequality always holds.

$(a+1)(y^2a+z^2)>x^2a$
 
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Subtle Hint:
Quadratic function property.
 
anemone said:
Let $x,\,y$ and $z$ be the lengths of the sides of a triangle. Show that for every real number $a$, the following inequality always holds.

$(a+1)(y^2a+z^2)>x^2a$

I could not have solved without the hint

$(a+1)(y^2a+z^2) - x^2a$

= $y^2a^2+a(y^2+z^2-x^2)-z^2$

this is quadratic in a and discriminant is

$(y^2+z^2-x^2)^2 - 4y^2z^2= (y^2+z^2-x^2) - (2yz)^2$

= $(y^2+z^2 + 2yz-x^2)(y^2+z^2-2yz-x^2)$

= $((y+z)^2-x^2)((y-z)^2 - x^2)$

= $(y+z+x)(y+z-x)(y-z+x)(y-z-x)$

= $-(x+y+z)(y+z-x)(x+y-z)(z+x-y)$

the above is -ve of product of 4 positive terms so -ve

so the value

$(a+1)(y^2a+z^2) - x^2a$ does not have a solution for a so is always > 0 or < 0

I choose one set of value

a = x=y=z =1 to see $(a+1)(y^2a+z^2) - x^2a= 3>0$

so $(a+1)(y^2a+z^2) - x^2a>0$

or

$(a+1)(y^2a+z^2) > x^2a$
 
kaliprasad said:
I could not have solved without the hint

$(a+1)(y^2a+z^2) - x^2a$

= $y^2a^2+a(y^2+z^2-x^2)-z^2$

this is quadratic in a and discriminant is

$(y^2+z^2-x^2)^2 - 4y^2z^2= (y^2+z^2-x^2) - (2yz)^2$

= $(y^2+z^2 + 2yz-x^2)(y^2+z^2-2yz-x^2)$

= $((y+z)^2-x^2)((y-z)^2 - x^2)$

= $(y+z+x)(y+z-x)(y-z+x)(y-z-x)$

= $-(x+y+z)(y+z-x)(x+y-z)(z+x-y)$

the above is -ve of product of 4 positive terms so -ve

so the value

$(a+1)(y^2a+z^2) - x^2a$ does not have a solution for a so is always > 0 or < 0

I choose one set of value

a = x=y=z =1 to see $(a+1)(y^2a+z^2) - x^2a= 3>0$

so $(a+1)(y^2a+z^2) - x^2a>0$

or

$(a+1)(y^2a+z^2) > x^2a$

Thank you kaliprasad for participating!

I saw this very old IMO problem without a solution but after contemplating it for a moment the solution came to me and I thought I must share it at MHB...:D
 

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