Prove Trig. Inequality: A,B & C Are Triangle Angles

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around proving a trigonometric inequality involving the angles of a triangle, specifically the inequality \((\sin A/2 + \sin B/2 + \sin C/2)^2 \geq (\sin A)^2 + (\sin B)^2 + (\sin C)^2\). Participants explore various approaches to the proof, including trigonometric identities and manipulations.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests clarification on whether an elementary proof using trigonometric manipulations is desired.
  • Another participant suggests that the original question may have been misstated and provides a corrected version of the inequality.
  • A participant proposes a method involving the expansion of the left-hand side and substitution of trigonometric identities.
  • One participant attempts to derive the inequality by expressing sine functions in terms of cosine and applying the Law of Cosines.
  • A later reply expresses frustration, indicating a struggle with the problem or the discussion process.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the proof or the formulation of the inequality, and multiple competing views and approaches remain present throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the correct formulation of the inequality and the steps involved in the proof. There are unresolved mathematical steps and dependencies on trigonometric identities.

Jean-Louis
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Show that :

(sinA/2 + sinB/2 + sinC/2)^2 >= (sinA)^2 + (sinB)^2 + (sinC)^2

A,B and C are the angles of a triangle.
 
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Are you looking for an elementary proof using trig manipulations or identites?
I can't see anything, Ill just right the question again that other people might find easier to help you with.

Show that \frac{\sin A + \sin B + \sin C}{2} >= \sin^2 A + \sin^2 B + \sin^2 C
bounded by the condition A+B+C=\pi
 
Gib Z, i think you have wrote the question wrong. i think Jean-Louis wrote,

\left(\sin \frac{A}{2} + \sin \frac{B}{2} + \sin \frac{C}{2}\right)^{2} \geq \sin^2 A + \sin^2 B + \sin^2 C where A + B + C = \pi
 
Jean-Louis said:
Show that :

(sinA/2 + sinB/2 + sinC/2)^2 >= (sinA)^2 + (sinB)^2 + (sinC)^2

A,B and C are the angles of a triangle.

Have you tried doing anything? I'd multiply out the left hand side first, and see what happens.
 
I think I got it. Here it goes :

sin(x/2) = +/- sqrt((1-cos(x))/2)
and sin^2(z) = 1 - cos^2(x)

so that that (sinA)^2 + (sinB)^2 + (sinC)^2 = 3 - (cos^2(A) + cos^2(B) +
cos^2(C))

Now (sin A/2 + sin B/2 + sin C/2)^2 = (+/- sqrt((1-cos(A))/2) + +/-
sqrt((1-cos(B))/2) + +/- sqrt((1-cos(C)/2) ) ^2

If we let

A = +/- sqrt((1-cos(A))/2)
B = +/- sqrt((1-cos(B))/2)
C = +/- sqrt((1-cos(C))/2)

Then (sin A/2 + sin B/2 + sin C/2)^2 = A^2 + B^2 + C^2 + 2AB + 2AC + 2BC

A^2 = (1 - cos(A))/2
B^2 = (1 - cos(B))/2
C^2 = (1 - cos(C))/2

AB = 1/2 SQRT((1-cosA)(1-cosB))
AC = 1/2 SQRT((1-cosA)(1-cosC))
BC = 1/2 SQRT((1-cosB)(1-cosC))

so you have

(1 - cos(A))/2 + (1 - cos(B))/2 + (1 - cos(C))/2 +
SQRT((1-cosA)(1-cosB)) + SQRT((1-cosA)(1-cosC)) + SQRT((1-cosB)(1-cosC))
>= 3 - (cos^2(A) + cos^2(B) + cos^2(C))

Now the Law of cosines tells us this...

cosC = (a^2 + b^2 -c^2)/2ab
cosA = (b^2 + c^2 - a^2)/2bc
cosB = ((a^2 + c^2 - b^2)/2ac

You have all the equations in terms of cosines - substitute simplify...

QED
 
Kill me. Somebody kill me...
 

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