Prove Inequality: Integral of Square Root vs. Trigonometric Function

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on proving the inequality $\displaystyle \int_0^\theta \sqrt{1+\cos^2 t} \,dt>\sqrt{\theta^2+\sin^2 \theta}$ for all $0<\theta \le \pi$. The solution provided by user lfdahl demonstrates the validity of this inequality through analytical methods. Key techniques include the application of integral calculus and trigonometric identities to establish the relationship between the integral and the square root expression. This proof is significant for those studying mathematical inequalities and calculus.

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anemone
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Here is this week's POTW:

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Show that for every $0<\theta \le \pi$, one has $\displaystyle \int_0^\theta \sqrt{1+\cos^2 t} \,dt>\sqrt{\theta^2+\sin^2 \theta}$.

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Congratulations to lfdahl for his correct solution (Cool) , which you can find below:
With the simple parameterization: $x(t) = t$, $y(t) = \sin t$ -

the arc length on the sine curve from Origo to the point $(\theta, \sin \theta)$, where $0 < \theta \leq \pi$ can be expressed exactly as the integral given in the problem: \[\int_{0}^{\theta }\sqrt{1+\cos^2t}\, dt\]

Now consider the triangle with the corners $(0,0)$, $(\theta,0)$ and $(\theta, \sin \theta)$. The hypotenuse of the triangle is a chord of length $\sqrt{\theta^2 + \sin^2\theta}$ on the graph of the sine function. Since sine is concave on the interval given, we know that every chord is shorter, than the arc length of sine. Thus, we can conclude, that

\[\int_{0}^{\theta }\sqrt{1+\cos^2t}\, dt > \sqrt{\theta ^2+\sin^2\theta }\]
 

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