Proving Triangle Inequality for d(x,A) & d(y,A)

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on verifying the algebraic proof of the triangle inequality for distances d(x,A) and d(y,A). The initial proof attempts to show that the absolute difference between these distances is bounded by d(x,y). However, a participant points out a flaw in the reasoning, particularly in the manipulation of inequalities. They suggest splitting the proof into two cases based on the relative sizes of d(x,A) and d(y,A) to clarify the argument. The conversation concludes with the original poster expressing gratitude for the feedback and indicating they have resolved the issue.
Somefantastik
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Hey folks, can someone quickly check my algebra?

Given:

d(x,A) \leq d(x,y) + d(y,A)

To show:

\left|d(x,A) - d(y,A) \right| \leq d(x,y)

Proof:

from given, d(x,A) - d(yA) \leq d(x,y);

and

-d(x,A) + d(y,A) \geq -d(x,y);

\Rightarrow d(y,A) - d(x,A) \geq -d(x,y);

\Rightarrow -d(x,y) \leq d(x,A)-d(y,A) \leq d(x,y);

Therefore

\left|d(x,A) - d(y,A) \right| \leq d(x,y)
 
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Your penultimate line doesn't follow.

Instead, split up in the two cases a) d(y,A) less than d(x,A) and b) greater than

For a), we have d(x,A)-d(y,A)=|d(x,A)-d(y,A)|, and hence, your first line of the proof may be written as:
0<= |d(x,A)-d(y,A)|<d(x,y)

you can manage b) on your own
 
d(y,A) - d(x,A) \geq -d(x,y);

Does not imply

-d(x,y) \leq -(-d(x,A)+d(y,A))

but the transition between the last two lines of your proof relies on it. You just switched the sides and direction of the inequality (which is fine) and multiplied one side by -1 (not good). If we could do that, it would be a two line proof. ;-)
 
I knew there was something fishy. Thank you for your time y'all, I think I got it.
 
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