Proving $x^2+y^2\ge 2$ with Given $x^3-y^3=2$ and $x^5-y^5\ge 4$

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In summary, by manipulating the given equations algebraically, we can prove that $x^2+y^2\ge 2$. This can also be shown using the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality. The given equations can also be used to prove other inequalities involving $x$ and $y$, but there are restrictions on the values of $x$ and $y$ for the equations to be valid.
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Given $x^3-y^3=2$ and $x^5-y^5\ge 4$ for all real $x$ and $y$. Prove that $x^2+y^2\ge 2$.
 
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anemone said:
Given $x^3-y^3=2$ and $x^5-y^5\ge 4$ for all real $x$ and $y$. Prove that $x^2+y^2\ge 2$.

My solution:

Note, that

\[x^5-y^5 = (x-y)(x^4+x^3y+x^2y^2+xy^3+y^4)\geq 4 \\\\ x^3-y^3 =(x-y)(x^2+xy+y^2)=2\]

Under the condition $x \ne y$:

\[\frac{x^5-y^5}{x^3-y^3}=\frac{x^4+x^3y+x^2y^2+xy^3+y^4}{x^2+xy+y^2}= \frac{(x^2+xy+y^2)^2-x^3y-2x^2y^2-xy^3}{x^2+xy+y^2} \\\\ \\\\ =x^2+xy+y^2-\frac{xy(x^2+2xy+y^2)}{x^2+xy+y^2} =x^2+y^2-\frac{x^2y^2}{x^2+xy+y^2}\geq 2\]

All I need to show is that:

\[\frac{x^2y^2}{x^2+xy+y^2}\geq 0\]

This holds iff $x^2+xy+y^2 > 0$:

\[x^2+xy+y^2 = (x+\frac{y}{2})^2-\frac{1}{4}y^2 +y^2 =(x+\frac{y}{2})^2+(\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}y)^2 > 0.\]

Thus: $x^2+y^2 \geq 2.$
 
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Thanks lfdahl for participating and thanks too for the solution! Good job! :D

My solution:

Note that $x^3-y^3=2$ tells us $x\gt y$. Now, considering the product of $(x^3-y^3)(x^2+y^2)$, we have:

$\begin{align*}(x^3-y^3)(x^2+y^2)&=x^5+x^3y^2-x^2y^3-y^5\\&=(x^5-y^5)-x^2y^2(y-x)\end{align*}$

$2(x^2+y^2)+x^2y^2(y-x)=x^5-y^5$

$2(x^2+y^2)+x^2y^2(y-x)\ge 4$

Since $x\gt y$, the term $x^2y^2(y-x)\lt 0$ and so $x^2+y^2\ge 2$.
 

FAQ: Proving $x^2+y^2\ge 2$ with Given $x^3-y^3=2$ and $x^5-y^5\ge 4$

How can you prove that $x^2+y^2\ge 2$ with the given equations?

The given equations, $x^3-y^3=2$ and $x^5-y^5\ge 4$, can be used to show that $x^2+y^2\ge 2$ by manipulating them algebraically. We can start by rearranging the first equation to get $x^3-y^3=2$ as $(x-y)(x^2+xy+y^2)=2$. Then, we can substitute $(x^2+xy+y^2)$ with $\frac{2}{x-y}$ from the second equation, giving us $\frac{x^2 + xy + y^2}{x-y} \ge 2$. Simplifying this further, we get $x^2 + y^2\ge 2$, which proves the given statement.

Can you explain the reasoning behind using the given equations to prove $x^2+y^2\ge 2$?

The given equations, $x^3-y^3=2$ and $x^5-y^5\ge 4$, provide a relationship between the variables $x$ and $y$. By manipulating these equations, we can arrive at a statement that involves $x^2$ and $y^2$, which is what we are trying to prove. This shows that the given equations are useful in proving the given statement.

Is there any other way to prove $x^2+y^2\ge 2$ without using the given equations?

Yes, there are other ways to prove $x^2+y^2\ge 2$ without using the given equations. One way is to use the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality, which states that for any two real numbers $a$ and $b$, $(a^2+b^2)(c^2+d^2)\ge (ac+bd)^2$. We can apply this inequality to the given statement by letting $a=x$, $b=y$, $c=1$, and $d=1$, which gives us $(x^2+y^2)(1^2+1^2)\ge (x+y)^2$. Simplifying this, we get $x^2+y^2\ge 2xy$. Then, by substituting $xy$ with $\frac{x^2+y^2}{2}$ from the given statement, we get $x^2+y^2\ge 2$, proving the statement.

Can the given equations be used to prove other inequalities involving $x$ and $y$?

Yes, the given equations can be used to prove other inequalities. By manipulating the equations algebraically, we can arrive at statements that involve different powers of $x$ and $y$, such as $x^3+y^3\ge 2$ or $x^4+y^4\ge 2$, depending on the specific inequality that we want to prove.

Are there any restrictions on the values of $x$ and $y$ for the given equations to be valid?

Yes, there are restrictions on the values of $x$ and $y$ for the given equations to be valid. From the first equation, $x^3-y^3=2$, we can see that $x\neq y$ since the denominator cannot be equal to zero. Additionally, from the second equation, $x^5-y^5\ge 4$, we can see that $x\ge y$ since the numerator must be greater than or equal to the denominator for the inequality to hold. Therefore, the values of $x$ and $y$ must satisfy both of these conditions for the given equations to be valid.

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