MHB Triangle Challenge: Prove $p^4+q^4+r^4-2p^2q^2-2q^2r^2-2r^2p^2<0$

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The discussion centers on proving the inequality $p^4+q^4+r^4-2p^2q^2-2q^2r^2-2r^2p^2<0$ for the sides of a triangle, denoted as $p$, $q$, and $r$. Participants highlight the need for a mathematical approach to demonstrate that the expression is negative under the triangle inequality conditions. The conversation includes admiration for a member's factoring skills, indicating a collaborative atmosphere focused on problem-solving. The goal remains clear: to establish the validity of the inequality specifically for triangle side lengths. Overall, the thread emphasizes mathematical proof and community engagement in tackling the challenge.
anemone
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Prove that $p^4+q^4+r^4-2p^2q^2-2q^2r^2-2r^2p^2<0$ for $p,\,q,\,r$ are the sides of a triangle.
 
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anemone said:
Prove that $p^4+q^4+r^4-2p^2q^2-2q^2r^2-2r^2p^2<0$ for $p,\,q,\,r$ are the sides of a triangle.

By the triangle inequality, $|p - q| < r < p + q$. Thus $(p - q)^2 < r^2 < (p + q)^2$; Using this, we find

$\displaystyle p^4 + q^4 + r^4 - 2p^2q^2 - 2q^2r^2 - 2r^2p^2$

$\displaystyle = (p^2 + q^2 - r^2)^2 - 4p^2q^2$

$\displaystyle = (p^2 + q^2 - r^2 - 2pq)(p^2 + q^2 - r^2 + 2pq)$

$\displaystyle = [(p - q)^2 - r^2][(p + q)^2 - r^2]$

$\displaystyle < 0$.
 
Last edited:
Euge said:
By the triangle inequality, $|p - q| < r < p + q$. Thus $(p - q)^2 < r^2 < (p + q)^2$; Using this, we find

$\displaystyle p^4 + q^4 + r^4 - 2p^2q^2 - 2q^2r^2 - 2r^2p^2$

$\displaystyle = (p^2 + q^2 - r^2)^2 - 4p^2q^2$

$\displaystyle = (p^2 + q^2 - r^2 - 2pq)(p^2 + q^2 - r^2 + 2pq)$

$\displaystyle = [(p - q)^2 - r^2][(p + q)^2 - r^2]$

$\displaystyle < 0$.

Hey Euge, you're so tremendously great at factoring to simplify any given math expressions and I admire all those heuristic skills that you posses! So I tip my hat to you!:cool:
 
Here is a little puzzle from the book 100 Geometric Games by Pierre Berloquin. The side of a small square is one meter long and the side of a larger square one and a half meters long. One vertex of the large square is at the center of the small square. The side of the large square cuts two sides of the small square into one- third parts and two-thirds parts. What is the area where the squares overlap?

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