Prove Inequality w/o Knowledge of $\pi$

In summary, it is possible to prove certain inequalities without using the constant pi by utilizing other mathematical principles and techniques. This can demonstrate the versatility and applicability of mathematical concepts, but there may be limitations in certain cases. However, understanding this concept can have practical applications in fields such as engineering, physics, and economics. An example of an inequality that can be proven without using pi is the Pythagorean theorem.
  • #1
anemone
Gold Member
MHB
POTW Director
3,883
115
Prove, with no knowledge of the decimal value of $\pi$ should be assumed or used that \(\displaystyle 1\lt \int_{3}^{5} \frac{1}{\sqrt{-x^2+8x-12}}\,dx \lt \frac{2\sqrt{3}}{3}\).
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
  • #2
My solution:

We are given to prove:

\(\displaystyle 1<\int_{3}^{5} \frac{1}{\sqrt{-x^2+8x-12}}\,dx<\frac{2}{\sqrt{3}}\tag{1}\)

If we move the integral 4 units to the left, and then use the even function rule, and divide through by 2, we obtain:

\(\displaystyle \frac{1}{2}<\int_0^1\frac{1}{\sqrt{4-x^2}}\,dx<\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}\)

If we define:

\(\displaystyle f(x)=\frac{1}{\sqrt{4-x^2}}\)

then there results:

\(\displaystyle f'(x)=\frac{x}{(4-x^2)^{\frac{3}{2}}}\)

Since the integrand is strictly increasing within the bounds, we know that the integral is greater than the left Riemann sum and less than the right sum. Using 1 partition, we may then write:

\(\displaystyle f(0)<\int_0^1\frac{1}{\sqrt{4-x^2}}\,dx<f(1)\)

Or:

\(\displaystyle \frac{1}{2}<\int_0^1\frac{1}{\sqrt{4-x^2}}\,dx<\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}\)

Shown as desired.
 
  • #3
Nicely done, MarkFL.
 
  • #4
MarkFL said:
My solution:

We are given to prove:

\(\displaystyle 1<\int_{3}^{5} \frac{1}{\sqrt{-x^2+8x-12}}\,dx<\frac{2}{\sqrt{3}}\tag{1}\)

If we move the integral 4 units to the left, and then use the even function rule, and divide through by 2, we obtain:

\(\displaystyle \frac{1}{2}<\int_0^1\frac{1}{\sqrt{4-x^2}}\,dx<\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}\)

If we define:

\(\displaystyle f(x)=\frac{1}{\sqrt{4-x^2}}\)

then there results:

\(\displaystyle f'(x)=\frac{x}{(4-x^2)^{\frac{3}{2}}}\)

Since the integrand is strictly increasing within the bounds, we know that the integral is greater than the left Riemann sum and less than the right sum. Using 1 partition, we may then write:

\(\displaystyle f(0)<\int_0^1\frac{1}{\sqrt{4-x^2}}\,dx<f(1)\)

Or:

\(\displaystyle \frac{1}{2}<\int_0^1\frac{1}{\sqrt{4-x^2}}\,dx<\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}\)

Shown as desired.

Awesome, MarkFL!(Cool) And thanks for participating!
 
  • #5
anemone said:
Prove, with no knowledge of the decimal value of $\pi$ should be assumed or used that \(\displaystyle 1\lt \int_{3}^{5} \frac{1}{\sqrt{-x^2+8x-12}}\,dx \lt \frac{2\sqrt{3}}{3}\).
my solution:
let $y=x-4 ,$ we have :
$\(\displaystyle \int_{3}^{5} \frac{1}{\sqrt{-x^2+8x-12}}\,dx =2\int_{0}^{1}\dfrac{dy}{\sqrt {2^2-y^2}}=2sin^{-1}\dfrac{1}{2}=\dfrac {\pi}{3}---(1)\)$
we know $\pi>3$ and $\sqrt 3>\dfrac{\pi}{2}$
we get $1<(1)=\dfrac {\pi}{3}<\dfrac {2\sqrt 3}{3}$
 
  • #6
Albert said:
my solution:
let $y=x-4 ,$ we have :
$\(\displaystyle \int_{3}^{5} \frac{1}{\sqrt{-x^2+8x-12}}\,dx =2\int_{0}^{1}\dfrac{dy}{\sqrt {2^2-y^2}}=2sin^{-1}\dfrac{1}{2}=\dfrac {\pi}{3}---(1)\)$
we know $\pi>3$ and $\sqrt 3>\dfrac{\pi}{2}$
we get $1<(1)=\dfrac {\pi}{3}<\dfrac {2\sqrt 3}{3}$

You have used knowledge of the decimal value of $\pi$...which goes against the given instructions. :)
 
  • #7
MarkFL said:
You have used knowledge of the decimal value of $\pi$...which goes against the given instructions. :)
I know you will question this, the following diagram is the proof of $3<\pi , and \,\,\sqrt 3>\dfrac {\pi}{2}$
no use the knowledge of the decimal value of $\pi$
in fact this diagram can also be used as to prove :$\sqrt 2<\dfrac {\pi}{2}<\sqrt 3$ and $\sqrt 2+\sqrt 3 >\pi$

View attachment 5490
 

Attachments

  • pi over 3.jpg
    pi over 3.jpg
    23.2 KB · Views: 73
Last edited:
  • #8
Albert said:
I know you will question this, the following diagram is the proof of $3<\pi , and \,\,\sqrt 3>\dfrac {\pi}{2}$
no use the knowledge of the decimal value of $\pi$
in fact this diagram can also be used as to prove :$\sqrt 2<\dfrac {\pi}{2}<\sqrt 3$ and $\sqrt 2+\sqrt 3 >\pi$

Nice! Before I decided there must be a way to do this without evaluating the definite integral (anemone picks problems that usually have some kind of neat twist), I did use a hexagon/circle system, but I only established the upper bound using areas...it didn't occur to me to use perimeters for the lower bound. So, I abandoned that method and looked elsewhere. :)
 
  • #9
Albert said:
I know you will question this, the following diagram is the proof of $3<\pi , and \,\,\sqrt 3>\dfrac {\pi}{2}$
no use the knowledge of the decimal value of $\pi$
in fact this diagram can also be used as to prove :$\sqrt 2<\dfrac {\pi}{2}<\sqrt 3$ and $\sqrt 2+\sqrt 3 >\pi$

Albert said:
my solution:
let $y=x-4 ,$ we have :
$\(\displaystyle \int_{3}^{5} \frac{1}{\sqrt{-x^2+8x-12}}\,dx =2\int_{0}^{1}\dfrac{dy}{\sqrt {2^2-y^2}}=2sin^{-1}\dfrac{1}{2}=\dfrac {\pi}{3}---(1)\)$
we know $\pi>3$ and $\sqrt 3>\dfrac{\pi}{2}$
we get $1<(1)=\dfrac {\pi}{3}<\dfrac {2\sqrt 3}{3}$

Thanks Albert for your geometry approach that so effectively avoided in using the value of pi in your solution! Bravo!
 

FAQ: Prove Inequality w/o Knowledge of $\pi$

Can you prove the inequality without using the constant pi?

Yes, it is possible to prove certain inequalities without using the constant pi. This can be achieved by using other mathematical principles and techniques, such as geometric proofs or algebraic manipulations.

What is the significance of proving an inequality without using pi?

Proving an inequality without using pi can demonstrate the versatility and applicability of mathematical concepts. It also highlights the fact that pi is just one tool in the mathematician's toolkit, and there are other ways to solve problems and prove theories.

Are there any limitations to proving inequalities without pi?

There may be certain inequalities that are difficult or impossible to prove without using pi or other irrational numbers. In these cases, it may be necessary to use pi or approximate values to arrive at a solution.

How is this concept relevant in real-world applications?

Proving inequalities without using pi can have practical applications in fields such as engineering, physics, and economics. By understanding the underlying principles and concepts, scientists and engineers can develop more efficient and accurate solutions to real-world problems.

Can you provide an example of an inequality that can be proven without using pi?

One example is the Pythagorean theorem, which states that in a right triangle, the square of the length of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides. This can be proven using geometric principles without using pi.

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
972
Back
Top