MHB Inequality with positive real numbers a and b

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The discussion centers on proving the inequality \( a^a b^b + a^b b^a \leq 1 \) for positive real numbers \( a \) and \( b \) where \( a + b = 1 \). Participants explore various mathematical approaches, including the application of the AM-GM inequality and properties of convex functions. The proof involves demonstrating that the function \( f(x) = x^x \) is concave, leading to the conclusion that the maximum value of the expression occurs at specific points. The inequality holds true under the given conditions, confirming the relationship between \( a \) and \( b \). Overall, the discussion effectively establishes the validity of the inequality through rigorous mathematical reasoning.
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Let $a$ and $b$ be positive real numbers such that $a+b=1$. Prove that $a^ab^b+a^bb^a\le 1$.
 
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We have
$1= a+ b = a^{a+b} + b^{a+b}$
So $1- (a^ab^b + a^b b^a)$
$= a^{a+b} + b^{a+b} - (a^ab^b + a^b b^a)$
$= a^a(a^b-b^b) + b^a(b^b-a^b) = (a^a - b^a)(a^b - b^b)$
For a > b both the terms are non -ve so we have and if b > a then both terms are -ve and hence above is positive

$1- (a^ab^b + a^b b^a) >=0$ and hence the result
 
Here is a little puzzle from the book 100 Geometric Games by Pierre Berloquin. The side of a small square is one meter long and the side of a larger square one and a half meters long. One vertex of the large square is at the center of the small square. The side of the large square cuts two sides of the small square into one- third parts and two-thirds parts. What is the area where the squares overlap?

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