Proving an inequality (not induction)

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves proving the inequality \((a^{2}+b^{2})(c^{2}+d^{2}) \geq (ac+bd)^{2}\) for any real numbers \(a\), \(b\), \(c\), and \(d\). The discussion centers around various approaches to establish this inequality without using induction.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to use the triangle inequality and expresses uncertainty about how to relate their findings to the final result. They also consider the implications of assuming certain relationships between the variables.
  • Another participant suggests a proof by contradiction, proposing to assume the opposite of the inequality and explore the consequences.
  • Further responses indicate a shift away from the triangle inequality, encouraging expansion of both sides of the inequality to analyze the resulting expressions.

Discussion Status

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the complexity of the problem, including the potential need to consider multiple cases based on the ordering of the variables. There is also a reference to the challenge of proving certain inequalities related to the terms involved.

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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