Which Values of x and y Satisfy the Inequality x^2y+y^2x > 6?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter evagelos
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Inequality
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the values of x and y that satisfy the inequality x^2y + y^2x > 6. Participants explore various approaches to tackle this inequality, including graphical methods and algebraic manipulations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests starting with the associated equality x^2y + y^2x = 6 and proposes solving it as a quadratic equation in y using the quadratic formula.
  • Another participant mentions that graphing the boundary derived from the equality can help identify regions where the inequality holds true.
  • There is a question raised about whether solid proofs exist for the inequality or if graphical methods are the only approach available.
  • A later reply clarifies that finding the boundary does provide a precise identification of the regions in the x,y plane, but graphing is considered optional.
  • Additionally, a participant introduces a related inequality, x^3y + yx^3 > 10, and inquires if similar graphical methods can be applied.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity and sufficiency of graphical methods versus algebraic proofs. There is no consensus on whether a solid proof exists for the original inequality.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the dependence on graphical methods for understanding the inequality, and the potential limitations of algebraic approaches are implied but not explicitly stated.

evagelos
Messages
314
Reaction score
0
For what values of x and , y is the following inequality satisfied:


[tex]x^2y+y^2x >6[/tex]

I tried to give a proof and i went as far:

xy(x+y)>6 then what?
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org


evagelos said:
For what values of x and , y is the following inequality satisfied:


[tex]x^2y+y^2x >6[/tex]

I tried to give a proof and i went as far:

xy(x+y)>6 then what?
The best way to handle complicated inequalities is to look first at the associated equality. Here, we start by looking at [tex]x^2y+ y^2x= 6[/itex]. You can think of that as a quadratic equation in y and solve using the quadratic formula: <br /> [tex]y= \frac{-x^2\pm\sqrt{x^4+ 24x}}{2x}[/tex]<br /> <br /> Graph that on, say, a graphing calculator and it shows the boundary between "> 6" and "< 6". Putting in one (x, y) point for each region will tell you which regions are "> 6".[/tex]
 


HallsofIvy said:
The best way to handle complicated inequalities is to look first at the associated equality. Here, we start by looking at [tex]x^2y+ y^2x= 6[/itex]. You can think of that as a quadratic equation in y and solve using the quadratic formula: <br /> [tex]y= \frac{-x^2\pm\sqrt{x^4+ 24x}}{2x}[/tex]<br /> <br /> Graph that on, say, a graphing calculator and it shows the boundary between "> 6" and "< 6". Putting in one (x, y) point for each region will tell you which regions are "> 6".[/tex]
[tex] <br /> You mean then, that there is no solid proof for the inequality but only graphic procedures?<br /> <br /> How about the inequality[tex]x^3y+yx^3>10[/tex] can we use graphic procedures??[/tex]
 


evagelos said:
You mean then, that there is no solid proof for the inequality but only graphic procedures?

No that's not what Halls said. He found the boundary which precisely identifies the region of the x,y plane you are looking for. Graphing it is optional (though very helpful in my opinion).

For x>0 it reduces to the union of :

[tex] y > \frac{-x^2 + \sqrt{x^4+ 24x}}{2x}[/tex]

and

[tex] y < \frac{-x^2 - \sqrt{x^4+ 24x}}{2x}[/tex]
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
2K