How can I prove the inequality relationship between RMS, AM, GM, and HM?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving the inequality relationships between the root mean square (RMS), arithmetic mean (AM), geometric mean (GM), and harmonic mean (HM) for non-negative integers. Participants are exploring various mathematical inequalities and their implications in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to use known inequalities, such as (a-b)² ≥ 0 and (√a-√b)² ≥ 0, to establish relationships between the means. They express uncertainty about demonstrating that RMS ≥ AM and seek guidance on this aspect.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided hints and clarifications, suggesting algebraic manipulations to assist in proving the desired inequalities. There is an ongoing exploration of the relationships without a definitive consensus on the final proof.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of proving inequalities without providing complete solutions, focusing on the logical steps involved in the process.

cheiney
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Homework Statement



I am asked to discover and prove the inequality relationship between root mean square, arithmetic mean, geometric mean, and harmonic mean.

Homework Equations


Let a,b, be non-negative integers.
(a-b)2 ≥ 0 and (√a-√b)2 ≥ 0

The Attempt at a Solution



Using (a-b)2 ≥ 0 and (√a-√b)2 ≥ 0, I was able to show that AM ≥ GM , GM ≥ HM, and RMS ≥ GM, but I haven't really been able to show that RMS ≥ AM and I was wondering if someone could point me in the right direction.

I used (a-b)2 ≥ 0 and did some algebra to show that √((a2+b2)/2) ≥ √ab

But I don't know if I can use that to show RMS ≥ AM.

Thanks in advance to anyone who can offer some insight.
 
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cheiney said:

Homework Statement



I am asked to discover and prove the inequality relationship between root mean square, arithmetic mean, geometric mean, and harmonic mean.

Homework Equations


Let a,b, be non-negative integers.
(a-b)2 ≥ 0 and (√a-√b)2 ≥ 0

The Attempt at a Solution



Using (a-b)2 ≥ 0 and (√a-√b)2 ≥ 0, I was able to show that AM ≥ GM , GM ≥ HM, and RMS ≥ GM, but I haven't really been able to show that RMS ≥ AM and I was wondering if someone could point me in the right direction.

I used (a-b)2 ≥ 0 and did some algebra to show that √((a2+b2)/2) ≥ √ab

But I don't know if I can use that to show RMS ≥ AM.

Thanks in advance to anyone who can offer some insight.

You know a^2+b^2>=2ab. Here's a hint. Add a^2+b^2 to both sides.
 
Dick said:
You know a^2+b^2>=2ab. Here's a hint. Add a^2+b^2 to both sides.

Thanks for the help! It clarified the step I was missing. From there, I would get (a^2+b^2)/2>=((a+b)^2)/4 and then take the square root to get RMS>=AM.
 
cheiney said:
Thanks for the help! It clarified the step I was missing. From there, I would get (a^2+b^2)/2>=((a+b)^2)/4 and then take the square root to get RMS>=AM.

You're welcome. Good use of the hint!
 

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