Real Numbers Inequality Proof: x+y+z > (|x|+|y|+|z|)/3

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter anemone
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    2015
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The inequality \(x+y+z > \frac{|x|+|y|+|z|}{3}\) is proven under the conditions that \(x+y > 0\), \(y+z > 0\), and \(z+x > 0\). The proof utilizes properties of real numbers and inequalities, demonstrating that the sum of the numbers exceeds the average of their absolute values. Key contributors to the discussion include members lfdahl and greg1313, who provided correct solutions to the problem.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of real number properties
  • Familiarity with basic inequality concepts
  • Knowledge of absolute values and their implications
  • Experience with mathematical proofs and logical reasoning
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality and its applications
  • Explore the Triangle Inequality theorem in depth
  • Learn about Jensen's inequality and its relevance in real analysis
  • Investigate advanced proof techniques in inequality theory
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, students studying real analysis, and anyone interested in advanced inequality proofs will benefit from this discussion.

anemone
Gold Member
MHB
POTW Director
Messages
3,851
Reaction score
115
Here is this week's POTW:

-----
Suppose $x,\,y,\,z$ are real numbers such that $x+y>0$, $y+z>0$ and $z+x>0$.

Prove that $x+y+z>\dfrac{|x|+|y|+|z|}{3}$.
-----

Remember to read the http://www.mathhelpboards.com/showthread.php?772-Problem-of-the-Week-%28POTW%29-Procedure-and-Guidelines to find out how to http://www.mathhelpboards.com/forms.php?do=form&fid=2!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Congratulations to the following members for their correct solutions::)

1. lfdahl
2. greg1313

Solution from greg1313:
If x > 0, y > 0, z > 0 we are done.

From the given inequalities only one of x, y, z can be non-positive and by symmetry this can be anyone of x, y, z; the outcome will be the same.

Choosing y to be non-positive, we also have |x| > |y| and |z| > |y|.

Now, with y non-positive

$$x + y + z = |x| - |y| + |z| = \frac{3|x|-3|y|+3|z|}{3}$$

If the difference $$\frac{3|x|-3|y|+3|z|}{3}-\frac{|x|+|y|+|z|}{3}$$ is positive we are done.

$$\frac{3|x|-3|y|+3|z|}{3}-\frac{|x|+|y|+|z|}{3}=\frac{2(|x|+|z|)-4|y|}{3}$$

but since |x| > |y| and |z| > |y|, |x| + |z| > 2|y| so $$\frac{2(|x|+|z|)-4|y|}{3}>0$$ as required.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K