How can we prove the inequality $|b^2-4ac|\le |B^2-4AC|$ with given conditions?

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In summary, the expression "Prove |b²-4ac|≤ |B²-4AC|" is known as the discriminant and is used to determine the number and type of solutions to a quadratic equation. To prove this inequality, you must manipulate the expressions algebraically, use properties of absolute value, and/or use mathematical theorems. It is important to prove this inequality because it helps us understand the nature of the solutions to a quadratic equation without actually solving it. This inequality can be used for all quadratic equations and can be applied in various real-world situations, such as in engineering and economics.
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anemone
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Suppose that $a,\,b,\,c,\,A,\,B,\,C$ are real numbers and $a\ne 0$, $A\ne 0$ such that

$|ax^2+bx+c|\le |Ax^2+Bx+C|$

for all real $x$.

Prove that $|b^2-4ac|\le |B^2-4AC|$.
 
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  • #2
let $f(x)=ax^2+bx+c---(1)$ , and $g(x)=Ax^2+Bx+C---(2)$
by completing the square we have:
$f(x)=a(x+\dfrac {b}{2a})^2+\dfrac {4ac-b^2}{4a}$
and $g(x)=A(x+\dfrac {B}{2A})^2+\dfrac {4AC-B^2}{4A}$
we can transplant f(x) upwards and get g(x),for each x , $|g(x)|\geq |f(x)|$ ,we get $|A|\geq |a|$
by comparing the vertex points of $g(x)$ and $f(x)$
it is easy to get what we want
 
  • #3
Thanks Albert for participating!

Solution of other:

Assume WLOG that $a>0$. Otherwise replace $(a,\,b,\,c)$ with $(-a,\,-b,\,-c)$. This transformation doesn't change $|ax^2+bx+c|$, and it doesn't change $|b^2-4ac|$.

Similarly, assume that $A>0$.

Observe that \(\displaystyle \lim_{{x}\to{\infty}} \dfrac{Ax^2+Bx+C}{x^2}=A\). Thus, \(\displaystyle \lim_{{x}\to{\infty}} \left|\dfrac{Ax^2+Bx+C}{x^2}\right|=A\).

Similarly, \(\displaystyle \lim_{{x}\to{\infty}} \left|\dfrac{ax^2+bx+c}{x^2}\right|=a\). Hence, $a\le A$.

Now, let $d=b^2-4ac$ and $D=B^2-4AC$.

Case I ($D>0$):

Let $r=\dfrac{-B+\sqrt{D}}{2A}$ and $s=\dfrac{-B-\sqrt{D}}{2A}$, then $r\ne s$. If $x\in\{r,\,s\}$, then $Ax^2+Bx+C=0$ so $|ax^2+bx+c|\le |0|$ so $ax^2+bx+c=0$.

Thus, $ax^2+bx+c=a(x-r)(x-s)$ so $d=a^2(r-s)^2=a^2\left(\dfrac{\sqrt{D}}{A}\right)^2=\dfrac{Da^2}{A^2}$.

Hence $0<d\le D$.

Case II ($D=0$):

The functions $Ax^2+Bx+C$ and $-Ax^2-Bx-C$ both have value $0$ and derivative $0$ for $x=-\dfrac{B}{2A}$, so the intermediate function $ax^2+bx+c$ also has value $0$ and derivative $0$, i.e. a double root. Hence $d=0$.

Case III ($D<0$):

Then $Ax^2+Bx+C=A(x+\dfrac{B}{2A})^2-\dfrac{D}{4A}>0$ for all real $x$ so $\pm(ax^2+bx+c)\le Ax^2+Bx+C$ for all $x$, so $(A\mp a)x^2+(B\mp b)x+(C\mp c)\le 0$ for all $x$, so $(B\mp b)^2\le (A\mp a)(C\mp c)\le 0$ for all $x$, i.e. $B^2\mp 2Bb+b^2\le 4AC+4ac\mp (4Ac+4aC)$.

Average $\mp=+$ and $\mp =-$ to see that $B^2+b^2\le 4AC+4ac$, i.e. $d\le -D$.

On the other hand, take $x=-\dfrac{B}{2A}$ to see that $-\dfrac{d}{4a}\le a(x+\dfrac{b}{2a})^2-\dfrac{d}{4a}=ax^2+bx+c\le Ax^2+Bx+C=-\dfrac{D}{4A}$, i.e., $-d\le -\dfrac{Da}{A}\le -D$.
 

FAQ: How can we prove the inequality $|b^2-4ac|\le |B^2-4AC|$ with given conditions?

What does "Prove |b²-4ac|≤ |B²-4AC|" mean?

This expression is known as the discriminant and is used to determine the number and type of solutions to a quadratic equation. The inequality states that the absolute value of the discriminant of one quadratic equation is less than or equal to the absolute value of the discriminant of another quadratic equation.

How do you prove the inequality |b²-4ac|≤ |B²-4AC|?

To prove this inequality, you must first understand that the discriminant is the part of the quadratic formula that is under the square root sign. It is given by the expression b²-4ac. To prove the inequality, you can manipulate the expressions algebraically, use properties of absolute value, and/or use mathematical theorems to show that the absolute value of the first discriminant is less than or equal to the absolute value of the second discriminant.

Why is it important to prove |b²-4ac|≤ |B²-4AC|?

Proving this inequality is important because it helps us understand the nature of the solutions to a quadratic equation. If the discriminant is positive, the equation has two real solutions. If it is zero, the equation has one real solution. If it is negative, the equation has no real solutions. By proving this inequality, we can determine the number and type of solutions without actually solving the equation.

Can this inequality be used for all quadratic equations?

Yes, this inequality can be used for all quadratic equations. It is a general property of quadratic equations and does not depend on the specific coefficients or variables used in the equation.

How can I apply this inequality in real-world situations?

This inequality can be applied in many real-world situations, such as in engineering, physics, and economics. For example, in engineering, it can be used to determine the stability of a system by analyzing the solutions to a quadratic equation. In economics, it can be used to determine the break-even point for a business by finding the number of units that need to be sold to make a profit.

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