Comparison between x²+y²+z² and 1/x²+1/y²+1/z²

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In summary, the first equation x²+y²+z² represents the sum of the squares of three variables, while the second equation 1/x²+1/y²+1/z² represents the inverse of the squares of those same variables. These equations cannot be used interchangeably and have different real-life applications in various fields. However, they also have limitations, such as only being applicable to problems with three variables and potentially needing additional mathematical concepts to fully solve a problem.
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Let $x,\,y,\,z$ be positive real numbers such that $x+y+z=3$.

Prove that $\dfrac{1}{x^2}+\dfrac{1}{y^2}+\dfrac{1}{z^2}\ge x^2+y^2+z^2$.
 
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anemone said:
Let $x,\,y,\,z$ be positive real numbers such that $x+y+z=3---(1)$.

Prove that $\dfrac{1}{x^2}+\dfrac{1}{y^2}+\dfrac{1}{z^2}\ge x^2+y^2+z^2$.
my solution:
using Largrange multipliers :
let :$f(x,y,z,\lambda)=(\dfrac {1}{x^2}-x^2)+(\dfrac {1}{y^2}-y^2)+(\dfrac {1}{z^2}-z^2)+\lambda (x+y+z-3)$
we have:$\lambda=2x+\dfrac {2}{x^3}=2y+\dfrac {2}{y^3}=2z+\dfrac {2}{z^3}=4 ,\,\,\,for \,\,(x=y=z, \,\, and \,\,x+y+z=3)$
check another point $f(x,y,z,4)=f(1,\dfrac {4}{3},\dfrac {2}{3},4)=\dfrac {85}{144}>0=f(1,1,1,4)$
$\therefore (\dfrac {1}{x^2}-x^2)+(\dfrac {1}{y^2}-y^2)+(\dfrac {1}{z^2}-z^2)+4(x+y+z-3)\geq 0$
that is:$(\dfrac {1}{x^2}-x^2)+\dfrac {1}{y^2}-y^2)+(\dfrac {1}{z^2}-z^2)\geq 0$
and the proof is done
 
  • #3
Albert said:
my solution:
using Largrange multipliers :
let :$f(x,y,z,\lambda)=(\dfrac {1}{x^2}-x^2)+(\dfrac {1}{y^2}-y^2)+(\dfrac {1}{z^2}-z^2)+\lambda (x+y+z-3)$
we have:$\lambda=2x+\dfrac {2}{x^3}=2y+\dfrac {2}{y^3}=2z+\dfrac {2}{z^3}=4 ,\,\,\,for \,\,(x=y=z, \,\, and \,\,x+y+z=3)$
check another point $f(x,y,z,4)=f(1,\dfrac {4}{3},\dfrac {2}{3},4)=\dfrac {85}{144}>0=f(1,1,1,4)$
$\therefore (\dfrac {1}{x^2}-x^2)+(\dfrac {1}{y^2}-y^2)+(\dfrac {1}{z^2}-z^2)+4(x+y+z-3)\geq 0$
that is:$(\dfrac {1}{x^2}-x^2)+\dfrac {1}{y^2}-y^2)+(\dfrac {1}{z^2}-z^2)\geq 0$
and the proof is done

Albert,

You combination of the two given functions into a single objective function is very useful. At this point, you could simply appeal to cyclic symmetry to claim the extrema has to occur for $x=y=z=1$ and alleviate the need for any differentiation.

I realize it is all too easy to come along after the fact and critique the work of others, and I don't mean this as a criticism, but rather as an observation. This observation notwithstanding, your approach is elegant and to be praised. :)
 

1) What is the difference between x²+y²+z² and 1/x²+1/y²+1/z²?

The first equation, x²+y²+z², represents the sum of the squares of three variables. The second equation, 1/x²+1/y²+1/z², represents the inverse of the squares of those same variables. This means that the values of the second equation are the reciprocal of the values in the first equation.

2) Can these two equations be used interchangeably?

No, these equations cannot be used interchangeably. While they both involve the same variables, they represent different mathematical concepts and will produce different results when solved.

3) What types of problems can be solved using these equations?

These equations can be used in various mathematical and scientific problems involving sums and inverses of squares. For example, they can be used in physics to calculate the total energy of a system or in geometry to find the distance between two points.

4) Are there any real-life applications for these equations?

Yes, there are many real-life applications for these equations. They can be used in fields such as engineering, economics, and statistics to model and solve various problems involving sums and inverses of squares.

5) What are the limitations of these equations?

One limitation of these equations is that they only involve three variables. They cannot be used to solve problems with more than three variables. Additionally, they may not be applicable to all types of problems and may require additional mathematical concepts and equations to fully solve a problem.

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