Problem involving arithmetic and geometric mean.

In summary, we are given three positive numbers that sum up to 1. To prove that $ab^2c^3 \leq \frac{1}{432}$, we consider 6 numbers formed by dividing the original numbers and taking their arithmetic and geometric mean. We find that the arithmetic mean is greater than or equal to the geometric mean, and by simplifying the inequality, we get our desired result.
  • #1
DrunkenOldFool
20
0
$a,b,c$ are any three positive numbers such that $a+b+c=1$. Prove that

$$ab^2c^3 \leq \frac{1}{432}$$
 
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  • #2
Consider the 6 numbers

$$a,\frac{b}{2},\frac{b}{2},\frac{c}{3},\frac{c}{3},\frac{c}{3}$$

The arithmetic mean of these numbers is

$\displaystyle AM = \dfrac{a+\frac{b}{2}+\frac{b}{2}+\frac{c}{3}+\frac{c}{3}+\frac{c}{3}}{6}$

$=\frac{1}{6}$

Similarly, you can calculate the Geometric Mean.

$\displaystyle GM=\left( \frac{b}{2}\frac{b}{2}\frac{c}{3}\frac{c}{3}\frac{c}{3}\right)^{\frac{1}{6}}=\left( \frac{ab^2 c^3}{2^2 3^3}\right)^{1 \over 6}$

$AM \geq GM$
$\displaystyle \frac{1}{6} \geq \left( \frac{ab^2 c^3}{2^2 3^3}\right)^{1 \over 6}$

$\displaystyle \Rightarrow \frac{2^23^3}{6^6} \geq ab^2c^3$
 

FAQ: Problem involving arithmetic and geometric mean.

What is the difference between arithmetic and geometric mean?

Arithmetic mean is the sum of a set of numbers divided by the number of elements in the set, while geometric mean is the nth root of the product of the numbers in the set. In other words, arithmetic mean represents the average of the numbers, while geometric mean represents the central tendency of the numbers.

When should I use arithmetic mean and when should I use geometric mean?

Arithmetic mean is typically used when dealing with data that is evenly distributed, while geometric mean is used when dealing with data that follows a logarithmic or exponential pattern. Arithmetic mean is also more sensitive to extreme values, so geometric mean may be a better choice in those cases.

How do I calculate arithmetic and geometric mean?

To calculate arithmetic mean, add all the numbers in a set and divide by the number of elements. To calculate geometric mean, multiply all the numbers in a set and take the nth root, where n is the number of elements in the set.

Why is it important to use both arithmetic and geometric mean?

Using both arithmetic and geometric mean can provide a more comprehensive understanding of a data set. While arithmetic mean gives us the average of the numbers, geometric mean takes into account the effects of exponential growth or decay. This can help in making more accurate comparisons and predictions.

Can arithmetic and geometric mean be equal?

Yes, it is possible for arithmetic and geometric mean to be equal, but it is unlikely. This would only occur if all the numbers in the set are the same.

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