Extension of the Triangle Inequality

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the extension of the triangle inequality, specifically the assertion that for any real numbers a and b, the inequality \(\left| a + b \right|^p \le 2^p \left(\left| a \right|^p + \left| b \right|^p\right)\) holds true for \(p > 1\). Participants confirm that this inequality can be proven using the convexity of the function \(x^p\) for \(p > 1\) and reference the application of the binomial theorem in the proof process. The inequality is established as valid through mathematical reasoning involving convex functions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the triangle inequality in mathematics
  • Familiarity with convex functions and their properties
  • Knowledge of the binomial theorem
  • Basic proficiency in mathematical induction
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of convex functions, particularly \(x^p\) for \(p > 1\)
  • Review the binomial theorem and its applications in proofs
  • Practice mathematical induction with a focus on inequalities
  • Explore advanced topics in real analysis related to inequalities
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Mathematicians, students studying real analysis, and anyone interested in understanding advanced inequalities and their proofs.

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Pretty much knows the triangle inequality.
[tex]\left| a + b \right| \le \left| a \right| + \left| b \right|[/tex]

I was reading a source which asserted the following extension of the triangle inequality:
[tex]\left| a + b \right|^p \le 2^p \left(\left| a \right|^p + \left| b \right|^p\right)[/tex]

This is bugging me because I can't figure out how to prove or disprove it. It's sensible enough that it might actually be true... but want to know for sure whether it's true.

I tried proving it by induction, but it got really messy...

Is this inequality true? Or, is it wrong? Thanks!
 
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when you tried induction, did you try the binomial theorem?
 
It follows from convexity of xp for p > 1.
[tex] (\frac{1}{2}|a|+\frac{1}{2}|b|)^p\leq \frac{1}{2}|a|^p+\frac{1}{2}|b|^p[/tex]
[tex] (|a|+|b|)^p\leq 2^{p-1}(|a|^p+|b|^p)[/tex]
 

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