Inequality Challenge: Prove $\sum \frac{x^3}{x^2+xy+y^2}\geq\frac{a+b+c}{3}$

In summary, the "Inequality Challenge" is a mathematical problem that involves proving a specific inequality using the formula <code>x^3/(x^2+xy+y^2)</code>, where x, y, and z are positive real numbers. The value <code>a+b+c/3</code> is significant because it represents the average of the three variables, and there are various methods for proving inequalities, including algebraic manipulation, induction, and the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality. Proving inequalities is important in mathematics as it helps establish relationships between variables and has practical applications in various fields.
  • #1
Albert1
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0
$a,b,c \in N$,prove :
$\dfrac{a^3}{a^2+ab+b^2}+\dfrac{b^3}{b^2+bc+c^2}+\dfrac{c^3}{c^2+ca+a^2}\geq\dfrac{a+b+c}{3}$
 
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  • #2
The result is true for $a,b,c>0$ in general.
By normalizing the inequality we may assume that $a+b+c=1$. $(*)$

Now rewrite the inequality we are to prove, that is
$$
\sum_{\text{cyclic}} \frac{a^3}{a^2+ab+b^2} \geq \frac{1}{3}\,,\qquad (**)
$$
as
$$
\sum_{\text{cyclic}} \frac{a}{1+(b/a)+(b/a)^2} \geq \frac{1}{3}\,.
$$

Observe that $x\mapsto 1/(1+x+x^2)$ is convex in $(0,\infty)$ because its second derivative is $\frac{6 \, {\left(x + 1\right)} x}{{\left(x^{2} + x + 1\right)}^{3}} > 0$, hence by Jensen's inequality with weights $a,b,c$ we get
$$
\sum_{\text{cyclic}} \frac{a}{1+(b/a)+(b/a)^2} \geq \frac{1}{1+\left(\sum_{\text{cyclic}}a\,(b/a)\right)+\left(\sum_{\text{cyclic}}a\,(b/a)\right)^2} = \frac{1}{1+1+1^2} =\frac{1}{3}\,.
$$

$(*)$ If $a+b+c=\lambda \neq 1$, make the change of variables $a \mapsto a/\lambda\,, b \mapsto b/\lambda \,, c \mapsto c/\lambda$ and the $\lambda$s will cancel out when considering both sides.

$(**)$ When we have variables $(a,b,c)$, the notation $\sum_{\text{cyclic}} f(a,b,c)$ simply means $f(a,b,c)+f(b,c,a)+f(c,a,b)$.
 
  • #3
Albert said:
$a,b,c \in N$,prove :
$\dfrac{a^3}{a^2+ab+b^2}+\dfrac{b^3}{b^2+bc+c^2}+\dfrac{c^3}{c^2+ca+a^2}\geq\dfrac{a+b+c}{3}$
indeed even $a,b,c\in R^+$,this statement is also true
hint :
at first prove the following statement:
$a,b,c \in R^+$
$\dfrac{a^3}{a^2+ab+b^2}\geq a-\dfrac {a+b}{3}$
 
  • #4
Albert said:
indeed even $a,b,c\in R^+$,this statement is also true
hint :
at first prove the following statement:
$a,b,c \in R^+$
$\dfrac{a^3}{a^2+ab+b^2}\geq a-\dfrac {a+b}{3}$
for $a^2+ab+b^2\geq 3ab$
$\dfrac{a^3}{a^2+ab+b^2}=\dfrac{a^3+a^2b+ab^2-ab(a+b)}{a^2+ab+b^2}=a-\dfrac {ab(a+b)}{a^2+ab+b^2}\geq a-\dfrac {a+b}{3}---(1)$
likewise :$\dfrac{b^3}{b^2+bc+c^2}\geq b-\dfrac {b+c}{3}---(2)$
$\dfrac{c^3}{c^2+ca+a^2}\geq c-\dfrac {c+a}{3}---(3)$
$(1)+(2)+(3) $ we get the reslut
 

FAQ: Inequality Challenge: Prove $\sum \frac{x^3}{x^2+xy+y^2}\geq\frac{a+b+c}{3}$

What is the "Inequality Challenge"?

The "Inequality Challenge" is a mathematical problem that involves proving a specific inequality. In this case, the challenge is to prove that the sum of a certain formula is greater than or equal to a specific value.

What is the formula being used in this inequality?

The formula being used is x^3/(x^2+xy+y^2), where x, y, and z are positive real numbers.

What is the significance of the value a+b+c/3 in this inequality?

The value a+b+c/3 is significant because it represents the average of the three variables, a, b, and c. This means that the inequality is stating that the sum of the formula is greater than or equal to the average of the three variables.

Is there a specific method for proving this inequality?

Yes, there are various methods for proving inequalities. Some of the commonly used methods include algebraic manipulation, induction, and the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality.

Why is proving inequalities important in mathematics?

Proving inequalities is important in mathematics because it helps to establish relationships between different variables and can provide insights into the behavior of mathematical expressions. Inequalities are also essential in many real-life applications, such as economics, physics, and engineering.

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