Analysis: Prove |x|+|y| is less than or equal to |x+y|+|x-y|

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In summary, the conversation discusses using the triangle inequality to establish the inequality |x| + |y| \leq |x+y| + |x-y|. The participants discuss various attempts at a solution, including using the inequality |x + y| \leq |x| + |y| and substituting x=u+v and y=u-v. They also note that |y-x| = |x-y| and discuss the potential usefulness of |x-y| \leq |x| + |y|.
  • #1
Chinnu
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Homework Statement



Using the triangle inequality, establish that:

|x| + |y| [itex]\leq[/itex] |x+y| + |x-y|

Homework Equations



|x + y| [itex]\leq[/itex] |x| + |y|

The Attempt at a Solution



I have tried a few things, here are those that seem like they would be most useful:

|x + y| [itex]\leq[/itex] |x| + |y|

[itex]\leq[/itex] |x+y-y| + |y-x+x|

[itex]\leq[/itex] |x+y| + |-y| + |y-x| + |x|

[itex]\leq[/itex] |x+y| + |y| + |y-x| + |x| ...Note that |y-x| = |x-y|

Also,

|x-y| [itex]\leq[/itex] |x| + |-y| = |x| + |y|

which might be able to be used in the middle inequality above.

I'm not sure what to do from here (or if I'm on the right track)
 
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  • #2
Hi Chinnu! :smile:

Try substituting x=u+v and y=u-v.
Note that you can find a u and a v for any x and y.
 

FAQ: Analysis: Prove |x|+|y| is less than or equal to |x+y|+|x-y|

What does this equation mean?

This equation is stating that the sum of the absolute values of two variables (represented by |x| and |y|) is always less than or equal to the sum of the absolute values of their sum and difference (represented by |x+y| and |x-y|).

How is this equation proven?

This equation can be proven using the triangle inequality theorem, which states that the sum of any two sides of a triangle must be greater than or equal to the third side. In this case, the sides of the "triangle" are the absolute values of x and y, and the sum of the two sides must be greater than or equal to the sum of the other two sides (|x+y| and |x-y|).

Can you provide an example to illustrate this equation?

For example, let's say x = 3 and y = 4. The left side of the equation would be |3| + |4| = 7. The right side would be |3+4| + |3-4| = 7+1 = 8. Since 7 is less than or equal to 8, the equation holds true for these values of x and y.

Does this equation have any real-world applications?

Yes, this equation has applications in fields such as physics, engineering, and computer science. It can be used to prove various mathematical theorems and inequalities, and can also be applied in optimization problems and in the analysis of algorithms.

Can this equation be extended to more than two variables?

Yes, this equation can be extended to any number of variables. For example, the equation |x| + |y| + |z| is less than or equal to |x+y| + |x-y| + |x+z| + |x-z| + |y+z| + |y-z|. This can be proven using the same principles as the original equation.

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