Proving an inequality (not induction)

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on proving the inequality (a² + b²)(c² + d²) ≥ (ac + bd)² for real numbers a, b, c, and d. Initial attempts involve using the triangle inequality, but participants suggest expanding both sides of the inequality instead. A proof by contradiction is proposed, where one assumes the inequality is false and seeks a contradiction by showing that a certain expression must be less than zero. The conversation emphasizes that the approach should focus on the difference between the expanded forms rather than relying on case analysis or triangle inequalities. Ultimately, the correct method leads to confirming the inequality's validity.
Bleys
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Homework Statement


For any real numbers a,b,c,d, prove that
\left(a^{2}+b^{2}\right)\left(c^{2}+d^{2}\right)\geq\left(ac+bd\right)^{2}

2. The attempt at a solution
I use the triangle inequality to show that
\left|ac+bd\right|^{2}\leq\left(\left|ac\right|+\left|bd\right|\right)^{2}

\left(ac\right)^{2}+\left(bd\right)^{2}+2abcd\leq\left(ac\right)^{2}+\left(bd\right)^{2}+2\left|ac\right|\left|bd\right|

But I'm not sure how to compare it with the final result. Can you assume that
2\left|ab\right|\left|cd\right|\leq\left(bc\right)^{2}+\left(ad\right)^{2}
I know the answer is probably no, and you have to take cases of a<b<c<d, a<c<b<d, etc. But that's 24 cases to consider! And while some are analogous to others, it doesn't cut it by more than half.

Am I even remotely on the right track? Any help or hint would be appreciated.
 
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You might try a proof by contradiction.
Assume that (a^2 + b^2)(c^2 + d^2) < (ac + bd)^2

Expand both sides and move the terms on the right side over to the left. If you can end up with the square of something on the left side being less than zero, there's your contradiction.
 
Hi Bleys! :smile:
Bleys said:
Am I even remotely on the right track?

Nope. :redface:

Hint: forget triangle inequalities …

expand both sides (as Mark44 says), and then look at the difference …

does it remind you of something? :wink:
 
Oh right; so (ad-bc)^2 < 0, so the starting inequality must be true;
I did think about proof by contradiction but it was to prove
2\left|ab\right|\left|cd\right|\leq\left(bc\right) ^{2}+\left(ad\right)^{2}
-_- feel kinda silly now..

Thank you for help, both you!
 
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