Do $x, y, z$ Meet the Triangle Inequality Conditions?

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  • Thread starter anemone
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    2015
In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of three real numbers forming a triangle and the concept of the triangle inequality. It is stated that three numbers can form a triangle if they satisfy the triangle inequality, which states that the sum of any two sides must be greater than the third side. To check if three numbers satisfy this inequality, one can add any two numbers together and make sure it is greater than the third number. It is also noted that the triangle inequality can be satisfied with negative numbers as long as the rule is followed. If the triangle inequality is not satisfied, it is not possible for the three numbers to form a triangle.
  • #1
anemone
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Here is this week's POTW:

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Three positive real numbers $x,\,y,\,z$ are such that $x^2+5y^2+4z^2-4xy-4yz=0$. Can $x,\,y,\,z$ form the sides of a triangle? Justify your answer.-----

Remember to read the http://www.mathhelpboards.com/showthread.php?772-Problem-of-the-Week-%28POTW%29-Procedure-and-Guidelines to find out how to http://www.mathhelpboards.com/forms.php?do=form&fid=2!
 
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  • #2
Congratulations to the following members for their correct solutions:

1. kaliprasad
2. Opalg
3. lfdahl

Solution from lfdahl:

The given equation:

$x^2+5y^2+4z^4-4xy-4yz = 0$ can be written as: $(x-2y)^2 + (y-2z)^2 = 0$

This equation holds iff $x = 2y \: \: \: \wedge \: \: \: y = 2z.$

The general solution in terms of an arbitrary choice of $z$ is:

$(x,y,z) = (4z,2z,z), \:\:\: z \in \mathbb{R}_+$

Using the three numbers as lengths in a triangle would violate the triangle inequality theorem (with $x$ being the longest edge):

$x \leq y+z \Rightarrow 4z \leq 2z+z=3z$

Conclusion:

The equation $x^2+5y^2+z^4-4xy-4yz = 0$ has an infinite set of triplet solutions $(x,y,z)$, none of which
can form a triangle.
 

FAQ: Do $x, y, z$ Meet the Triangle Inequality Conditions?

Can three real numbers form a triangle?

Yes, three real numbers can form a triangle if they satisfy the triangle inequality.

What is the triangle inequality?

The triangle inequality states that the sum of any two sides of a triangle must be greater than the third side.

How do I know if three real numbers satisfy the triangle inequality?

You can check if three real numbers satisfy the triangle inequality by adding any two numbers together and making sure it is greater than the third number. If this is true for all three combinations of numbers, then the triangle inequality is satisfied.

Can the triangle inequality be satisfied with negative numbers?

Yes, the triangle inequality can be satisfied with negative numbers as long as they follow the rule that the sum of any two numbers must be greater than the third number.

What happens if the triangle inequality is not satisfied?

If the triangle inequality is not satisfied, then the three numbers cannot form a triangle. This is because the sum of any two sides will always be less than or equal to the third side, making it impossible to create a closed shape.

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