Help proving triangle inequality for metric spaces

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on proving the triangle inequality for metric spaces, specifically the inequality d(x,y) ≤ d(x,z) + d(z,y). Participants explore transformations involving fractions and the application of Minkowski's inequality. Key points include the necessity of using the correct terms in the denominators and the implications of changing the structure of the fractions. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the properties of absolute values and the behavior of functions like x/(1+x).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of metric spaces and distance functions
  • Familiarity with Minkowski's inequality
  • Knowledge of absolute value properties
  • Basic calculus concepts, particularly function behavior
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the proof of the triangle inequality in metric spaces
  • Learn about Minkowski's inequality and its applications
  • Explore properties of absolute values in mathematical proofs
  • Investigate the behavior of increasing functions, particularly x/(1+x)
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, students studying real analysis, and anyone interested in the foundational concepts of metric spaces and inequalities.

lucasLima
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So, i need to proof the triangle inequality ( d(x,y)<=d(x,z)+d(z,y) ) for the distance below
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But I'm stuck at
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In those fractions i need Xk-Zk and Zk-Yk in the denominators, not Xk-Yk and Xk-Yk. Thanks in advance
 
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a/(1+a) = 1 - 1/(1+a)
Then you just have to transform the denominator and not both parts. Not sure if that is the best approach, but it is the one I would try first.
 
I used somthing similar instead Minkowski, i did (a+b)/(1+a+b) <= a/(1+a) + b/(1+b)
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f
 
I don't think that is a valid transformation with the denominator. You change 1+|g+f| to 1+|g|+|f| which might increase the fraction.
 
Last edited:
mfb said:
I don't think that is a valid transformation with the denominator. You change 1+|g+f| to 1+|g|+|f| which might reduce the fraction.
But in that case g and f are > 0, so in no way will reduce the fraction. |g|+|f|>|g+f| only if g or f is <0
 
You don't know that about f and g (which are the raw differences, e.g. xk-zk).

"reduce" in the last post should be "increase", of course.
 
(Thank you for all your help s far) What if i told you that |a-b+b-c| = |a-b| + |b-c|? I'm having a little trouble prooving that but I'm pretty confident.
 
Not in general.

a=2, b=5, c=1
1 = 3 + 4?
 
You should use the fact that the function x/(1+x)=1-1/(1+x) is increasing.
 

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