Suppose a, b, c are real numbers and x,y,z>=0. Prove the following inequality

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves proving an inequality related to real numbers a, b, c and non-negative variables x, y, z. The inequality states that the sum of the squares of a, b, and c divided by x, y, and z respectively is greater than or equal to the square of the sum of a, b, and c divided by the sum of x, y, and z.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss various approaches, including brute force methods and geometric interpretations, while expressing uncertainty about how to proceed. There is a suggestion to consider a simpler related problem to gain insight into the original inequality.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different angles and attempting to clarify assumptions, particularly regarding the positivity of x, y, and z. Some guidance has been offered in the form of a simpler problem to consider, but no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted concern about the conditions under which the inequality holds, specifically the requirement that x, y, z must be greater than zero to avoid undefined terms in the inequality.

Kizaru
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Homework Statement


Suppose that a, b, c are real numbers and x, y, z >= 0. Prove that

\frac{a^2}{x} + \frac{b^2}{y} + \frac{c^2}{z} \geq \frac{ (a+b+c)^2}{x+y+z}

Homework Equations


Cauchy-Schwarz and Arithmetic Geometric Mean inequalities.

The Attempt at a Solution


I wasn't really sure how to approach this problem. I tried brute forcing a solution by multiplying everything out to get common denominators, but that became a mess. I tried a geometric approach of two vectors but didn't get anywhere with it.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
 
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the tex closing tag is a / rather than backslash for the functions etc.
\frac{a^2}{x} + \frac{b^2}{y} + \frac{c^2}{z} \geq \frac{ (a+b+c)^2}{x+y+z}
 
I'm pretty sure you need x, y, z > 0, otherwise the terms on the left side could be undefined.

You might try a simpler problem, such as
\frac{a^2}{x} + \frac{b^2}{y} \geq \frac{ (a+b)^2}{x+y}

and see if you can prove that. Doing so might give you some insight on the harder problem.

In any case, proving the original statement is equivalent to proving this statement:
\frac{a^2}{x} + \frac{b^2}{y} + \frac{c^2}{z} - \frac{ (a+b+c)^2}{x+y+z}\geq 0

I worked on this about a half page or so, but am going to quit for the night.
 
Err yes, it should be x,y,z > 0. I haven't touched it since last night, so I'll see where I can get with the simpler problem today.
 

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