SinA + sinB + sinC <= (3 x 3^0.5 )/2

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around proving the inequality sinA + sinB + sinC <= (3 x 3^0.5 )/2, where A, B, and C are angles of a triangle. Participants explore various mathematical approaches to establish this inequality, including the use of Jensen's inequality and properties of convex and concave functions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using Jensen's inequality as a method to prove the inequality.
  • Another participant expresses difficulty in applying Jensen's inequality to the problem.
  • It is noted that a function is convex if its second derivative is greater than zero, and Jensen's inequality applies to convex functions.
  • A different approach is proposed, rewriting angle C as pi - A - B and exploring the minimum value of the left-hand side as a function of A.
  • Some participants clarify that sin(x) is concave, which affects the application of Jensen's inequality, leading to a reversed inequality for concave functions.
  • There is a mention of the sum of angles in a triangle being pi, which is relevant to the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best method to prove the inequality. Multiple approaches are discussed, and there is uncertainty regarding the application of Jensen's inequality and the properties of the sine function.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference the definitions of convexity and concavity, but there are unresolved aspects regarding the application of these concepts to the specific inequality in question.

lizzie
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sinA + sinB + sinC <= (3 x 3^0.5 )/2
how do we prove it?
A,B,C are angles of a triangle.
thanks for any help.
 
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sorry kurret i am still unable to prove it
 
A function is convex (or concace up) if its second derivative is greater than zero. For the full definition of convexity see http://mathworld.wolfram.com/ConvexFunction.html.
Jensens inequality states that the arithmetic mean of a convex function is greater or equal than the function of the arithmetic mean, ie:
\frac{f(x_1)+f(x_2)+...+f(x_n)}{n} \geq f(\frac{x_1+x_2+...+x_n}{n})
For concave functions the inequality is reversed. So consider the function sinx, and show that sinx is concave. After that, set up jensens inequality and use that the sum of the angles in a triangle is pi.
 
Last edited:
Alternative solution:
Rewrite C as pi-A-B, then Sin(C)=Sin(A+B). Now assume that B is any value between 0 and pi, and you can make the LHS a function of A, and find its minimum value. Maybe easier, but I think jensens inequality is really powerful and its really a good idea to learn to master it :)
 
Kurret said:
A function is convex (or concace up) if its second derivative is greater than zero. For the full definition of convexity see http://mathworld.wolfram.com/ConvexFunction.html.
Jensens inequality states that the arithmetic mean of a convex function is greater or equal than the function of the arithmetic mean, ie:
\frac{f(x_1)+f(x_2)+...+f(x_n)}{n} \geq f(\frac{x_1+x_2+...+x_n}{n})
So consider the function sinx, and show that sinx is convex. After that, set up jensens inequality and use that the sum of the angles in a triangle is pi.

sin x is concave, and for concave functions Jensen's inequality is reversed giving:
\frac{f(x_1) + f(x_2) + \ldots + f(x_n)}{n} \leq f\left(\frac{x_1+x_2+...+x_n}{n}\right)
 
gunch said:
sin x is concave, and for concave functions Jensen's inequality is reversed giving:
\frac{f(x_1) + f(x_2) + \ldots + f(x_n)}{n} \leq f\left(\frac{x_1+x_2+...+x_n}{n}\right)
Asch, sorry, forgot how the original inequality looked like :frown:. Thanks!
 

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