How Can You Determine the Values of ab+cd Given These Equations?

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter anemone
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    2016
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The problem involves determining the values of \( ab + cd \) given the equations \( a^2 + b^2 = 4 \), \( c^2 + d^2 = 4 \), and \( ac + bd = 2 \). The discussion concludes that the possible values for \( ab + cd \) can be evaluated using the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality, leading to the results of \( 0 \) and \( 2 \). The correct solutions were provided by forum members greg1313 and kaliprasad, demonstrating effective problem-solving techniques in algebraic manipulation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of algebraic identities and inequalities, specifically Cauchy-Schwarz inequality.
  • Knowledge of real number properties and vector representations.
  • Familiarity with quadratic equations and their geometric interpretations.
  • Basic skills in manipulating and solving simultaneous equations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality in depth to understand its applications in algebra.
  • Explore vector representations of real numbers to visualize the problem geometrically.
  • Learn about quadratic forms and their implications in solving equations.
  • Investigate other mathematical inequalities and their proofs to enhance problem-solving skills.
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, students in algebra and geometry, and anyone interested in problem-solving techniques in real analysis.

anemone
Gold Member
MHB
POTW Director
Messages
3,851
Reaction score
115
Here is this week's POTW:

-----

Suppose that 4 real numbers $a,\,b,\,c,\,d$ satisfy the conditions as shown below:

$a^2+b^2=4$
$c^2+d^2=4$
$ac+bd=2$

Evaluate all possible values for $ab+cd$.

-----

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!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Congratulations to the following members for their correct solution::)

1. greg1313
2. kaliprasad

Solution from greg1313:
Let $a=2\cos(x),b=2\sin(x),c=2\cos(y),d=2\sin(y)$ then the first two conditions are satisfied.

For $ac+bd$ we have $4\cos(x)\cos(y)+4\sin(x)\sin(y)=4\cos(x-y)=2$ so we must have $x-y=\pm\dfrac{\pi}{3}+2k\pi,k\in\mathbb Z$

From all of that, $ab+cd=4\cos(x)\sin(x)+4\cos(y)\sin(y)=2(\sin(2x)+\sin(2y))=2(2\sin(x+y)\cos(x-y))=2\sin(x+y)$

Hence $-2\le ab+cd\le2$
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K