Inequality Challenge: Show $7x+12xy+5y \le 9$

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SUMMARY

The inequality challenge demonstrates that for real numbers \(x\) and \(y\) satisfying \(9x^2 + 8xy + 7y^2 \le 6\), it follows that \(7x + 12xy + 5y \le 9\). The discussion highlights the geometric interpretation of the problem, where the ellipse defined by \(9x^2 + 8xy + 7y^2 = 6\) and the hyperbola \(7x + 12xy + 5y = 9\) share a common tangent at the point \((1/2, 1/2)\) with a gradient of \(-13/11\). The interior of the ellipse is contained within the region defined by the hyperbola, confirming the inequality visually.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quadratic inequalities, specifically \(9x^2 + 8xy + 7y^2\)
  • Familiarity with conic sections, including ellipses and hyperbolas
  • Basic knowledge of calculus, particularly gradients and tangents
  • Ability to interpret graphical representations of mathematical inequalities
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of conic sections, focusing on ellipses and hyperbolas
  • Learn about the method of Lagrange multipliers for constrained optimization
  • Explore graphical methods for solving inequalities in two variables
  • Investigate the implications of common tangents in conic sections
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, students studying advanced algebra or calculus, and anyone interested in geometric interpretations of inequalities will benefit from this discussion.

anemone
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Let $x, y$ be real numbers such that $9x^2+8xy+7y^2 \le 6$.

Show that $7x+12xy+5y \le 9$.
 
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[sp]
[graph]1hbxwofxmo[/graph] [Click on the graph for a larger version.]

The blue curve is the ellipse $9x^2+8xy+7y^2 = 6$. The brown curve is the hyperbola $7x+12xy+5y = 9$. They share a common tangent at the point $(1/2,1/2)$, with gradient $-13/11.$ The interior of the ellipse is the region $9x^2+8xy+7y^2 \leqslant 6$, and the region between the two branches of the hyperbola is given by $7x+12xy+5y \leqslant 9$. From the geometry, it is clear that the first of those regions is contained in the second. I don't see a neat way to prove that algebraically, but I think this is one of those cases where a picture says more than an equation could.[/sp]
 
anemone said:
Let $x, y$ be real numbers such that $9x^2+8xy+7y^2 \le 6$.

Show that $7x+12xy+5y \le 9$.---(2)
Let $x, y$ be real numbers such that $9x^2+8xy+7y^2 \le 6 ----(1)$.
in fact we only have to discuss :x>0, and y>0
$9x^2+8xy+7y^2 \le 9x^2+4x^2+4y^2+7y^2$ (GM$\le AM)$
the equivalence exists only if x=y
so we have :$24x^2\le 6$
$\therefore x=y\le \dfrac{1}{2}$
$\therefore $ the left side of (2) :$\dfrac{7}{2}+\dfrac{12}{4}+\dfrac{5}{2}\le 9$
 
anemone said:
Let $x, y$ be real numbers such that $9x^2+8xy+7y^2 \le 6$.

Show that $7x+12xy+5y \le 9$.

Thank you to both of you, Opalg and Albert for participating. It's good to know there are many ways(graphical/algebraic) to solve a problem.

I think the solution proposed by other that wanted to share here is very similar to the concept of Albert, let's see:
If we let $x=a+\dfrac{1}{2}$ and $y=b+\dfrac{1}{2}$, where $a, b \in R$, the given inequality becomes

$9x^2+8xy+7y^2 \le 6$

$9\left( a+\dfrac{1}{2} \right)^2+8\left( a+\dfrac{1}{2} \right)\left( b+\dfrac{1}{2} \right)+7\left( b+\dfrac{1}{2} \right)^2 \le 6$

$13a+11b+8ab \le -(9a^2+7b^2)$

The inequality that we wanted to prove, its LHS after undergo the transformation turns to

$7x+12xy+5y=7\left( a+\dfrac{1}{2} \right)+12\left( a+\dfrac{1}{2} \right)\left( b+\dfrac{1}{2} \right)+5\left( b+\dfrac{1}{2} \right)=13a+11b+8ab+9 \le 9-(9a^2+7b^2) \le 9$

Adding 9 to both sides of the inequality $13a+11b+8ab \le -(9a^2+7b^2)$ gives

$7x+12xy+5y=13a+11b+8ab+9 \le 9-(9a^2+7b^2) \le 9$

and we are done.
 

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