Proving d, e and f as Linear Combinations of a, b and c

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves proving that the variables d, e, and f can be expressed as linear combinations of a, b, and c under certain constraints. The context includes inequalities and equalities among these variables, all of which are real numbers.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the validity of the equation a+b+c=d+e+f and question whether it should be an inequality instead. There is an exploration of specific values for a, b, c, d, e, and f to test the constraints, leading to a contradiction regarding the coefficients c1 through c6.

Discussion Status

Some participants have attempted to manipulate the expressions and test specific cases, but there is uncertainty about the implications of their findings. The discussion reflects a lack of consensus on the interpretation of the coefficients and their relationship to the variables.

Contextual Notes

There is a focus on the constraints that c1, c2, c3, c4, c5, and c6 must be non-negative, which raises questions about the validity of certain assumptions made during the exploration of the problem.

andreass
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Homework Statement


Given:
a>=b>=c>=0,
d>=e>=f>=0,
a>=d
a+b>=d+e
a+b+c=d+e+f
a,b,c,d,e,f belong to Real numbers

Prove that d, e, f can be expressed as linear combinations of a, b and c in such way:
d=(c1+c2)*a+(c3+c4)*b+(c5+c6)*c
e = (c1+c6)*a+(c2+c4)*b+(c3+c5)*c
f=(c1+c3)*a+(c2+c5)*b+(c4+c6)*c

c1, c2, c3, c4, c5, c5 >=0



The Attempt at a Solution



Only thing I can prove is that c1+c2+c3+c4+c5+c6 = 1 (using a+b+c=d+e+f).
I think I need to find some expression for b, to be able do something, but I'm not sure.

Any suggestions?
 
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a+b+c=d+e+f

Is it correct or should it be:
a+b+c>=d+e+f ?
 


Quinzio said:
a+b+c=d+e+f
Is it correct ?

there's no mistake.
a+b+c=d+e+f is correct
 


I've tried to play with the expressions and something else is coming out, but I don't get nowhere.
Example:
may I let
a=d
b=c=e=f=0 ?
I don't see why I couldn't, every equation is respected.
This leads to
c1+c2=1
c1+c6=0
c1+c3=0

Since:
c1+c2=1 and c1+c2+c3+c4+c5+c6=1
c3+c4+c5+c6=0

So far so good.
Then I assume
d=e=f=1
a=(1+k)
b=1
c=(1-k)
again, everything is respected.
Using the last assumption into d=(c1+c2)*a+(c3+c4)*b+(c5+c6)*c
I get c1+c2=c5+c6
Since c1+c2=1, c5+c6=1

Then recalling c3+c4+c5+c6=0
I conclude c3+c4=-1

But this is against the problem constraint:
c1, c2, c3, c4, c5, c5 >=0

So what do we do here ?
Is there any flaw in my logic chain ? Any mistake ?
I don't get the final goal of the problem...
c1...c6 should be constant real number, or should they be functions of a,b,c,d,e,f ?
:confused: :confused: :confused:
 


c1..c6 are coefficients, but I think they will probably change when a,b,c,d,e,f change.
 


andreass said:
c1..c6 are coefficients, but I think they will probably change when a,b,c,d,e,f change.

OK, so they are functions of a,b,c,d,e,f.

But what about my conclusion
c3+c4=-1
But this is against the problem constraint:
c1, c2, c3, c4, c5, c5 >=0

Do you have a solution, if not bring my conclusion to your teacher, whoever.
 

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