Prove $\sqrt{\sin x} > \sin\sqrt{x}, 0<x<\frac{\pi}{2}$

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In summary, the conversation discusses the inequality that needs to be proven, which is $\sqrt{\sin x} > \sin\sqrt{x}$ for all values of $x$ between 0 and $\frac{\pi}{2}$. This result is important in the study of trigonometric functions and has practical applications in fields such as physics and engineering. The inequality can be proven using various methods, including algebraic manipulation and calculus. However, it is only valid for values of $x$ between 0 and $\frac{\pi}{2}$ and may not hold for other values. Real-life applications of this inequality include signal processing and the study of vibrations and waves.
  • #1
anemone
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Prove that $\sqrt{\sin x}>\sin \sqrt{x}$ for $0<x<\dfrac{\pi}{2}$.
 
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  • #2
anemone said:
Prove that $\sqrt{\sin x}>\sin \sqrt{x}$ for $0<x<\dfrac{\pi}{2}$.
We will prove the result separately for the intervals $(0,1]$ and $\left(1,\frac{\pi}{2}\right]$.

Assume first that $1<x<\frac{\pi}{2}$. Since $0<\sin x < 1$, we have $\sqrt{\sin x}>\sin x$. Since $x>1$, we have $x>\sqrt{x}$, and, as $\sin x$ is an increasing function, $\sin x > \sin \sqrt{x}$. We may therefore conclude:
$$\displaystyle
\sqrt{\sin x}>\sin x>\sin \sqrt{x}
$$
in this case.

Assume now that $0<x\leq 1$. This implies that $x<\sqrt{x}$.

Since $\sqrt{x}>0$, the inequality is equivalent to:
$$\displaystyle
\begin{align*}
\frac{\sqrt{\sin x}}{\sqrt{x}} &> \frac{\sin \sqrt{x}}{\sqrt{x}}\\
\sqrt{\frac{\sin x}{x}} &> \frac{\sin \sqrt{x}}{\sqrt{x}} \\
\sqrt{f(x)} &> f(\sqrt{x})
\end{align*}
$$

where $f(x) = \frac{\sin x}{x}$.

Because $0<f(x)<1$ in the interval under consideration, $\sqrt{f(x)} > f(x)$.

Now, the derivative of $f(x)$ is:
$$\displaystyle
\frac{df}{dx} = \frac{x\cdot\cos x - \sin x}{x^2}
$$

and this is negative, since $0< x< \tan x$. This means that $f$ is strictly decreasing; as $x<\sqrt{x}$, $f(x) > f(\sqrt{x})$, and we conclude:
$$\displaystyle
\sqrt{f(x)} > f(x) > f(\sqrt{x})
$$

which completes the proof.
 
Last edited:
  • #3
castor28 said:
We will prove the result separately for the intervals $(0,1]$ and $\left(1,\frac{\pi}{2}\right]$.

Assume first that $1<x<\frac{\pi}{2}$. Since $0<\sin x < 1$, we have $\sqrt{\sin x}>\sin x$. Since $x>1$, we have $x>\sqrt{x}$, and, as $\sin x$ is an increasing function, $\sin x > \sin \sqrt{x}$. We may therefore conclude:
$$\displaystyle
\sqrt{\sin x}>\sin x>\sin \sqrt{x}
$$
in this case.

Assume now that $0<x\leq 1$. This implies that $x<\sqrt{x}$.

Since $\sqrt{x}>0$, the inequality is equivalent to:
$$\displaystyle
\begin{align*}
\frac{\sqrt{\sin x}}{\sqrt{x}} &> \frac{\sin \sqrt{x}}{\sqrt{x}}\\
\sqrt{\frac{\sin x}{x}} &> \frac{\sin \sqrt{x}}{\sqrt{x}} \\
\sqrt{f(x)} &> f(\sqrt{x})
\end{align*}
$$

where $f(x) = \frac{\sin x}{x}$.

Because $0<f(x)<1$ in the interval under consideration, $\sqrt{f(x)} > f(x)$.

Now, the derivative of $f(x)$ is:
$$\displaystyle
\frac{df}{dx} = \frac{x\cdot\cos x - \sin x}{x^2}
$$

and this is negative, since $0< x< \tan x$. This means that $f$ is strictly decreasing; as $x<\sqrt{x}$, $f(x) > f(\sqrt{x})$, and we conclude:
$$\displaystyle
\sqrt{f(x)} > f(x) > f(\sqrt{x})
$$

which completes the proof.

Bravo, castor28! You are definitely one of the brightest stars here in MHB!(Happy)
 

1. What is the inequality that needs to be proven?

The inequality that needs to be proven is $\sqrt{\sin x} > \sin\sqrt{x}$ for all values of x between 0 and $\frac{\pi}{2}$.

2. Why is this inequality important?

This inequality is important because it is a fundamental result in the study of trigonometric functions and serves as a building block for more complex mathematical proofs. It also has practical applications in fields such as physics and engineering.

3. How can this inequality be proven?

The inequality can be proven using various methods such as algebraic manipulation, calculus, and geometric reasoning. One possible approach is to use the Maclaurin series expansion for $\sin x$ and $\sqrt{\sin x}$ and compare their terms.

4. Can this inequality be extended to other values of x?

No, this inequality only holds for values of x between 0 and $\frac{\pi}{2}$. For other values of x, the inequality may not hold or may need to be modified.

5. Are there any real-life applications of this inequality?

Yes, this inequality has practical applications in fields such as signal processing, where it is used to analyze and manipulate signals. It is also used in the study of vibrations and waves in physics and engineering.

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