When does equality occur in the inequality (a^2+b^2)cos(α-β)<=2ab?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the inequality \((a^2+b^2)\cos(\alpha-\beta) \leq 2ab\) within the context of triangle geometry, specifically focusing on conditions for equality in this inequality.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the geometric interpretation of angles in triangle ABC, questioning how to construct the angle \(\alpha - \beta\) and its implications on the inequality.
  • There are attempts to apply the cosine law and relate it to the inequality, with participants expressing confusion about the steps and reasoning involved.
  • Some participants suggest drawing additional lines or reflecting triangles to visualize the problem better.
  • Questions arise regarding the conditions under which equality holds and the relationship between the areas of triangles involved.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing various insights and hints. Some have proposed methods to manipulate the inequality, while others express uncertainty about their progress. There is no clear consensus yet on the approach to take or the conditions for equality.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework problem, which may limit the information available and the methods they can use. There is also a language barrier affecting some participants' ability to communicate their ideas clearly.

harry654
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Prove that in any triangle ABC with a sharp angle at the peak C apply inequality:(a^2+b^2)cos(α-β)<=2ab
Determine when equality occurs.

I tried to solve this problem... I proved that (a^2+b^2+c^2)^2/3 >= (4S(ABC))^2,
S(ABC) - area
but I don't know prove that (a^2+b^2)cos(α-β)<=2ab :(
thanks for your help
 
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welcome to pf!

hi harry654! welcome to pf! :smile:

(try using the X2 icon just above the Reply box :wink:)

by "sharp angle", i assume you mean an acute angle, less than 90°?

hint: where in that triangle can you find (or construct) an angle α-β ? :wink:
 
by "sharp angle", i assume you mean an acute angle, less than 90°? yes :)
hint: where in that triangle can you find (or construct) an angle α-β ?
oh. I know that apply π-(α+β)=γ. But i can't see in that triangle an angle α-β. I have tried to solve this problem already 3 days, but I always proved other inequality.
 
harry654 said:
But i can't see in that triangle an angle α-β.

then make one! :biggrin:

you know that α-β is in the answer, so you know there must be an α-β somewhere

where could you draw an extra line to make an angle α-β ? :wink:
 
I can draw parallel straight line with BC. Then i draw parallel straight line with AC. And then I depict triangle ABC in axial symmetry according AB. And at the peak B(under) I have an angle α-β. Is it OK?
 
sorry, i don't understand :confused:

can you supply some extra letters (D, E, …), to make it clearer?
 
OK.
We have triangle ABC.
I draw parallel line p with BC and parallel line l with AC. p intersects l in the point D.
Then angle DBA is equivalent with α. I depict triangle ABC in axial symmetry according AB. this triangle mark AEB.Then angle EBA is equivalent with β. And angle DBE is α-β
 
oh i see!

yes, but a lot simpler would be to draw just one line

draw CD equal to CA with D on BC … then triangle DBC has two sides the same as ABC, and angle DCB is α-β :smile:

(btw, "depict triangle ABC in axial symmetry according AB" is weird … write "reflect triangle ABC in AB" :wink:)
 
(btw, "depict triangle ABC in axial symmetry according AB" is weird … write "reflect triangle ABC in AB" :wink:)[/QUOTE]

sorry my english is not enough good I know :(

draw CD equal to CA with D on BC ... When I draw D on BC so B,C,D are on one line... and it isn't triangle DBC so I am confused... sorry :(
 
  • #10
oops!

sorry, i meant with D on AB :smile:
 
  • #11


oh yes.
Now, Should I compare areas of triangles ABC and DBC, shouldn't I?
 
  • #12
no!

(why are you so keen on areas anyway? :confused: you'll hardly ever need them, and certainly not here :redface:)

forget about triangle ABC now

just use triangle DBC :smile:
 
  • #13
Ok... I use cosinus law and I have equality. But I think I must something compare because I need prove inequality
 
  • #14
what equality? :confused:

(btw, we say "sine" and "cosine" :wink:)
 
  • #15
Ok.Maybe don't understand me. When I use cosine law I get a^2+b^2-2abcos(α-β)=h^2
when h is DB. But I need (a^2+b^2)cos(α-β)<=2ab I now see that equality occurs when triangle is isosceles. But I try from a^2+b^2-2abcos(α-β)=h^2 get (a^2+b^2)cos(α-β)<=2ab.
 
  • #16
harry654 said:
When I use cosine law I get a^2+b^2-2abcos(α-β)=h^2
when h is DB.

(try using the X2 icon just above the Reply box :wink:)

hint: eliminate ab :wink:
 
  • #17
hint: eliminate ab

I found that I am stupid...
when I eliminate ab cosine law will not apply or no?
 
Last edited:
  • #18
apply (a²+b²)cos(α-β)>= a²+b²-h²

and then I don't know aaaaa :(
 
Last edited:
  • #19
harry654 said:
apply (a²+b²)cos(α-β)>= a²+b²-h²

no, you've missed out a cos(α-β) :redface:
 
  • #20
tiny-tim said:
no, you've missed out a cos(α-β) :redface:
2ab=(a²+b²-h²)/cos(α-β) Is that OK?

then a²+b²>=2ab
a²+b²>=(a²+b²-h²)/cos(α-β) /*cos(α-β)
(a²+b²)cos(α-β) ? (a²+b²-h²)
so? I am lost...
 
  • #21
i can't see where you got lost :confused:

you should have arrived at (a²+b²)cos²(α-β) ≤ a²+b² - h² …

carry on from there :smile:
 
  • #22
you should have arrived at (a²+b²)cos²(α-β) ≤ a²+b² - h² … ( but why is there ≤ and not >=)

(a²+b²)cos²(α-β) ≤ a²+b² - h²


(a²+b²)cos(α-β) ≤ 2ab
 
  • #23
harry654 said:
(a²+b²)cos²(α-β) ≤ a²+b² - h²


(a²+b²)cos(α-β) ≤ 2ab

sorry, I'm not following you at all
 
  • #24
thank you for your patience
I think I never solve this problem
 
  • #25
How do you get (a²+b²)cos²(α-β) ≤ a²+b² - h² ?
 
  • #26
I really don't know how carry on...
I have a cosine law and then I don't know how get (a²+b²)cos²(α-β) ≤ a²+b² - h²
Please help me:(
 
  • #27
harry654 said:
I have a cosine law …/QUOTE]

what cosine law did you use?
 
  • #28
I use this cosines law h²=a²+b²-2abcos(α-β) h is |DB| and then I don't know how carry on
 
  • #29
harry654 said:
I use this cosines law h²=a²+b²-2abcos(α-β) h is |DB|

ok then 2ab = (a²+b²-h²)/cos(α-β) …

substitute that into the inequality :smile:
 
  • #30
so and now the problem begins because I don't know how :(
 

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