Prove Inequality: 1/p + 1/q=1, u,v >= 0

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In summary, the given problem can be solved by using the weighted AM-GM inequality and rearranging equations to show that p+q=pq. Then, the second inequality can be simplified by removing the fractions.
  • #1
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Homework Statement


Let p and q be positive real numbers such that

1/p + 1/q=1

Prove that if [itex]u\geq 0[/itex] and [itex]v \geq 0[/itex], then

[tex]uv \leq \frac{u^p}{p}+\frac{v^q}{q}[/tex]


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I am really stumped. Is there like a famous inequality that I need to use here that I am forgetting?
This vaguely reminds me of the AM-GM inequality...
 
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  • #2
It certainly works when u=v=1...
 
  • #3
I think I got it, but it was tricky.

First, try to prove that [tex]\frac{1}{p}+\frac{1}{q}=1[/tex] can be rearranged to show that [tex]p+q=pq[/tex]

Then start to work on rearranging the second inequality, in order to remove the fractions.
 
  • #4
CrazyIvan said:
I think I got it, but it was tricky.

First, try to prove that [tex]\frac{1}{p}+\frac{1}{q}=1[/tex] can be rearranged to show that [tex]p+q=pq[/tex]

Well, that comes from just multiplying the first equation by pq.



CrazyIvan said:
Then start to work on rearranging the second inequality, in order to remove the fractions.

So, I have been trying this and not getting anywhere. I tried plugging in p q = p+q. Can you be more specific?
 
  • #5

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