[tex](ax+by)^2 \leq ax^2+by^2[/tex] for every a,b which satisfy

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the inequality \((ax+by)^2 \leq ax^2+by^2\) for non-negative values of \(a\) and \(b\) constrained by \(0 \leq a, b \leq 1\) and \(a + b = 1\). Participants are exploring methods to prove this inequality and are seeking insights into the reasoning behind such problems.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss expanding the left side of the inequality and simplifying it, with one suggesting substituting \(b = 1 - a\). Others express uncertainty about the approach to take and question whether trial and error is a valid method for such problems.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with various approaches being explored. Some participants have provided guidance on substitutions, while others are sharing their attempts and questioning the efficiency of their methods. There is no explicit consensus on a single approach yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of the problem, particularly the conditions on \(a\) and \(b\). There is an acknowledgment of the complexity of proving the inequality, and some express frustration with the process.

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(ax+by)^2 \leq ax^2+by^2 for every a,b which satisfy 0\leq a,b\leq1 and a+b=1.

My book consider this as trivial however I have hard time to prove this, will appreciate your help.
 
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Expand the left side, let b=1-a and simplify. See if you can convert all factors involving a into a2-a :wink:
 


I have tried many things including this one, how should I approach these kind of problems?
What is the intuition? Is the solution process of these kind of problems really involves trial and error method or I miss something?
 


Eventually i came to this nasty prove:

ax^2+by^2-(ax+by)^2=ax^2+by^2-a^2x^2-2abxy-b^2y^2=(a-a^2)x^2-2abxy+(b-b^2)y^2=(a-a^2)x^2-2(a-a^2)xy+(b-b^2)y^2=(a-a^2)[(x-y)^2-y^2]+(b-b^2)y^2=<br /> (a-a^2)(x-y)^2+y^2[b-b^2+a^2-a]=(a-a^2)(x-y)^2+y^2[2ab] \geq 0

Is there a more efficient approaches to such problems?
 


Yes, use the fact that a+b=1, thus b=1-a. Use this conversion early on.
 

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