Proving Inequality using Arithmetic and Order Axioms

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on proving the inequality \( x^2 \leq y^2 \) for all \( x, y \) satisfying \( 0 \leq x \), \( 0 \leq y \), and \( x \leq y \) using the axioms of arithmetic and order. Participants emphasize the importance of applying axioms such as A14, which states that if \( x \leq y \) and \( 0 \leq z \), then \( x \cdot z \leq y \cdot z \). The conversation also explores proving the converse, \( x \leq y \) given \( x^2 \leq y^2 \), leading to the expression \( (x - y)(x - y) \leq 0 \) as a starting point for contradiction.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic algebraic axioms (e.g., A1 to A14 as listed in the discussion).
  • Familiarity with the properties of inequalities in mathematics.
  • Knowledge of proof techniques, particularly proof by contradiction.
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic expressions involving inequalities.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the axioms of arithmetic and order in detail, particularly A14 regarding multiplication and inequalities.
  • Learn about proof techniques, focusing on proof by contradiction and its applications in inequalities.
  • Explore the implications of the expression \( (x - y)(x - y) \leq 0 \) in proving inequalities.
  • Investigate the relationship between squares of numbers and their roots in the context of inequalities.
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Mathematicians, students studying real analysis, and anyone interested in understanding the foundations of inequalities and proof techniques in mathematics.

synkk
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Using only the axioms of arithmetic and order, show that:

for all x,y satisfy 0≤x, 0≤y and x≤y, then x.x ≤ y.y

I'm really lost on where to start, my attempt so far was this

as 0 <= x and 0 <= y, we have 0 <= xy from axiom (for all x,y,z x<=y and 0<=z, then x.z <=y.z). then we use the same axiom to get y.y >= 0, but not sure where to go from there
 
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synkk said:
Using only the axioms of arithmetic and order, show that:

for all x,y satisfy 0≤x, 0≤y and x≤y, then x.x ≤ y.y

I'm really lost on where to start, my attempt so far was this

as 0 <= x and 0 <= y, we have 0 <= xy from axiom (for all x,y,z x<=y and 0<=z, then x.z <=y.z). then we use the same axiom to get y.y >= 0, but not sure where to go from there

There are several versions of the "axioms", so you need to tell us exactly what axioms you are given.
 
synkk said:
Using only the axioms of arithmetic and order, show that:

for all x,y satisfy 0≤x, 0≤y and x≤y, then x.x ≤ y.y

I'm really lost on where to start, my attempt so far was this

as 0 <= x and 0 <= y, we have 0 <= xy from axiom (for all x,y,z x<=y and 0<=z, then x.z <=y.z). then we use the same axiom to get y.y >= 0, but not sure where to go from there

Do you see how your axiom, when applied to the hypothesis that 0≤x, 0≤y and x≤y, gives you both x.x≤y.x and x.y≤y.y?

Do you see where to go from here?
 
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Thanks I got it from there.

How would I go about proving it the other way? I.e. if 0 <= x, 0 <= y, x.x <= y.y then x <= y? How would I prove that? I have gotten to (x-y).(x-y) <= 0 but not sure how to actually prove it using the axioms which are:

A1 (x+y)+z = x+(y+z)
A2 x + y = y + x
A3 x + 0 = x for all x
A3 x + (-x) = 0
A5 x.(y.z) = (x.y).z
A6 x.y = y.x
A7 x.1 = x
A8 x.x^(-1) = 1
A9 x.(y+z) = (x.y) +(x.z)

A10 x<=y or y<=x for all x,y
A11 if x<=y and y <=x then x = y
A12 x<=y and y <=z then x<=z
A13 x<=y then x + z <= y + z
A14 x<=y and 0<=z then x.z <=y.z
 
synkk said:
Thanks I got it from there.

How would I go about proving it the other way? I.e. if 0 <= x, 0 <= y, x.x <= y.y then x <= y? How would I prove that?

I think the easiest way to prove this is by contradiction.

I have gotten to (x-y).(x-y) <= 0 but not sure how to actually prove it using the axioms which are:

...

If you want to try this, I think it'd be easier to start with ##0\leq y^2-x^2=(y+x)(y-x)##.
 
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