Can You Solve This Challenging Inequality Involving Real Numbers?

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    2016
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SUMMARY

The inequality problem presented involves real numbers \(x\) and \(y\) constrained by \(0 < x < 1\) and \(y > 0\). The goal is to prove that \((x + y)\left(\frac{1}{x} + \frac{1}{y} - \frac{4}{(x + 1)^2}\right) \geq \frac{4}{(x + 1)^2}\). This inequality can be approached using algebraic manipulation and properties of inequalities, particularly focusing on the behavior of the terms as \(x\) and \(y\) vary within their defined ranges.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of real number properties and inequalities
  • Familiarity with algebraic manipulation techniques
  • Knowledge of the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality
  • Experience with mathematical proofs and logical reasoning
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality and its applications in proving inequalities
  • Explore techniques for manipulating algebraic expressions in inequalities
  • Learn about the AM-GM inequality and its relevance in similar problems
  • Practice solving advanced inequality problems to enhance problem-solving skills
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Mathematicians, students in advanced mathematics courses, and anyone interested in solving complex inequalities will benefit from this discussion.

anemone
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Here is this week's POTW:

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The reals $x$ and $y$ are such that $0 < x< 1$ , and $y> 0$, prove that

$$(x+ y)\left(\frac{1}{x}+\frac{1}{y} -\frac{4}{(x+1)^2}\right) ≥ \frac{4}{(x+1)^2}.$$

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Remember to read the http://www.mathhelpboards.com/showthread.php?772-Problem-of-the-Week-%28POTW%29-Procedure-and-Guidelines to find out how to http://www.mathhelpboards.com/forms.php?do=form&fid=2!
 
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No one answered last week problem. :(

You can see my solution as follows:
Since $(x+1)^2>0$ and $xy>0$, we can multiply through the inequality by $xy(x+1)^2$, and it remains to prove $(x + y)^2(x+1)^2− 4xy(x+y) ≥ 4xy$, but note that

$$\begin{align*}(x + y)^2(x+1)^2− 4xy(x+y) -4xy&=(x^2+xy+x+y)^2-4xy(x+y+1)\\&=(x(x+y+1)+y)^2-4xy(x+y+1)\\&=x^2(x+y+1)^2+2xy(x+y+1)+y^2-4xy(x+y+1)\\&=x^2(x+y+1)^2-2xy(x+y+1)+y^2\\&=(x(x+y+1)-y)^2\end{align*}$$

and this quantity is definitely greater than or equals to zero, and the result follows.
 

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