Prove Inequality: |1-K+x|/|1+y| < 1

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves proving the inequality \(\frac{|1-K+x|}{|1+y|} < 1\) given certain conditions on the variables \(x\), \(y\), and \(K\). The context is rooted in absolute values and inequalities, likely within a calculus or algebra framework.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the implications of the inequalities \(|x-y| < K\) and \(x+y > K - 2\) on the expression \(|1-K+x|\). There is an exploration of using the triangle inequality and the relationships between the variables to establish bounds.

Discussion Status

Some participants have made connections between the given inequalities and the desired result, suggesting that the expression \(|1-K+x|\) can be bounded by \((y+1)\). There is acknowledgment of the importance of ensuring that \(y+1 > 0\) to maintain the validity of the inequalities being manipulated.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the constraints imposed by the conditions \(0 < K < 1\) and the implications of the inequalities on the values of \(x\) and \(y\). The discussion reflects an ongoing examination of these assumptions without reaching a definitive conclusion.

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Homework Statement



Given:

[itex]|x-y| < K[/itex]

[itex]x+y > K - 2[/itex]

[itex]0 < K < 1[/itex]

Prove:

[itex]\frac{|1-K+x|}{|1+y|} < 1[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution



I have tried using the fact that [itex]|x-y| < K \Rightarrow -K < x-y < K \Rightarrow y-K < x < y+K[/itex] to write [itex]\frac{1-K+x}{1+y} < \frac{1+y}{1+y} = 1[/itex]

But I can't figure out how to show that the absolute value is less than one.

I have also been trying various applications of the triangle inequality with little success.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
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Hint: what does the given inequality ##x + y > K - 2## tell you about ##1 - K + x##?
 
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jbunniii said:
Hint: what does the given inequality ##x + y > K - 2## tell you about ##1 - K + x##?

It tells me that ##1 - K + x > -(y+1)##

which I actually had written on my paper before, but thanks to you I think I've realized the connection...Since I already had from the first assumption ##1-K+x<1+y##, I now have

##-(y+1)<(1-K+x)<(y+1)##, which seems to imply ##|1-K+x| < (y+1)## as desired.

Since we didn't know before that ##|y+1| = y+1##, it seems that this claim actually follows from the assumptions? I think it does since I think

##-A<T<A \Rightarrow A>0##, if both inequalities are satisfied, right?

Thank you so much for your help.
 
Only a Mirage said:
##-A<T<A \Rightarrow A>0##, if both inequalities are satisfied, right?
Yes, this implication is correct. Ignoring the ##T## in the middle of the inequality chain, you have ##-A < A##, so ##2A > 0##, hence ##A > 0##.

Note that the fact that ##y + 1 > 0## is important, because you are dividing both sides of each inequality by this expression. If ##y+1## was zero, the division would be undefined, and if ##y+1## was negative, the direction of the inequality would flip. Fortunately both of these possibilities are excluded by ##y + 1 > 0##.
 
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jbunniii said:
Yes, this implication is correct. Ignoring the ##T## in the middle of the inequality chain, you have ##-A < A##, so ##2A > 0##, hence ##A > 0##.

Note that the fact that ##y + 1 > 0## is important, because you are dividing both sides of each inequality by this expression. If ##y+1## was zero, the division would be undefined, and if ##y+1## was negative, the direction of the inequality would flip. Fortunately both of these possibilities are excluded by ##y + 1 > 0##.

That makes sense to me. Thanks again for the help.
 

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