Show at least one of the inequality must be true

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In summary, at least one of the following three inequalities must be true: $\dfrac{a_1}{a_2}+\dfrac{a_3}{a_4}+\dfrac{a_5}{a_6}+\dfrac{a_7}{a_8}+\dfrac{a_9}{a_{10}}\ge 5$, $\dfrac{a_{11}}{a_{12}}+\dfrac{a_2}{a_1}+\dfrac{a_4}{a_3}+\dfrac{a_6}{a_5}\ge 4$, or $\dfrac{a_8}{a_7}+\d
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anemone
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Let $a_1,\,a_2,\,\cdots,\,a_{12}$ be positive numbers. Show that at least of the following must be true:

$\dfrac{a_1}{a_2}+\dfrac{a_3}{a_4}+\dfrac{a_5}{a_6}+\dfrac{a_7}{a_8}+\dfrac{a_9}{a_{10}}\ge 5$,

$\dfrac{a_{11}}{a_{12}}+\dfrac{a_2}{a_1}+\dfrac{a_4}{a_3}+\dfrac{a_6}{a_5}\ge 4$, or

$\dfrac{a_8}{a_7}+\dfrac{a_{10}}{a_9}+\dfrac{a_{12}}{a_{11}}\ge 3$
 
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  • #2
anemone said:
Let $a_1,\,a_2,\,\cdots,\,a_{12}$ be positive numbers. Show that at least of the following must be true:

$\dfrac{a_1}{a_2}+\dfrac{a_3}{a_4}+\dfrac{a_5}{a_6}+\dfrac{a_7}{a_8}+\dfrac{a_9}{a_{10}}\ge 5---(1)$,

$\dfrac{a_{11}}{a_{12}}+\dfrac{a_2}{a_1}+\dfrac{a_4}{a_3}+\dfrac{a_6}{a_5}\ge 4---(2)$, or

$\dfrac{a_8}{a_7}+\dfrac{a_{10}}{a_9}+\dfrac{a_{12}}{a_{11}}\ge 3---(3)$

if all three statements are false then:
$\dfrac{a_1}{a_2}+\dfrac{a_3}{a_4}+\dfrac{a_5}{a_6}+\dfrac{a_7}{a_8}+\dfrac{a_9}{a_{10}}< 5---(4)$,

$\dfrac{a_{11}}{a_{12}}+\dfrac{a_2}{a_1}+\dfrac{a_4}{a_3}+\dfrac{a_6}{a_5}< 4---(5)$, and

$\dfrac{a_8}{a_7}+\dfrac{a_{10}}{a_9}+\dfrac{a_{12}}{a_{11}}< 3---(6)$
by $AM-GM$ again:
it should be:
$\dfrac{a_1}{a_2}\times\dfrac{a_3}{a_4}\times\dfrac{a_5}{a_6}\times\dfrac{a_7}{a_8}\times\dfrac{a_9}{a_{10}}<1 ---(7)$,

$\dfrac{a_{11}}{a_{12}}\times\dfrac{a_2}{a_1}\times\dfrac{a_4}{a_3}\times\dfrac{a_6}{a_5}<1---(8)$, and

$\dfrac{a_8}{a_7}\times\dfrac{a_{10}}{a_9}\times\dfrac{a_{12}}{a_{11}}<1---(9)$
but:
$(7)\times(8)\times(9)=1$,it is a contradiction
so at least one of the three must be true
 

Related to Show at least one of the inequality must be true

1. What does "inequality" mean in this context?

Inequality refers to a mathematical statement that compares two values or expressions using symbols such as <, >, ≤, or ≥. In this context, at least one inequality must be true means that at least one of the compared values or expressions is greater than or less than the other.

2. How do you know which inequality must be true?

This depends on the specific context or problem. It could be determined through mathematical reasoning, graphing, or using real-life examples. In some cases, it may also be explicitly stated in the question or problem.

3. Can both inequalities be false?

No, at least one of the inequalities must be true. This ensures that there is a distinct relationship between the two values or expressions being compared.

4. What are some examples of inequalities that must be true?

Examples of inequalities that must be true include 5 > 2, x ≤ 10, and 2x + 3 < 10. These inequalities compare two values or expressions and indicate that the first value or expression is greater than, less than, or equal to the second value or expression.

5. How is this concept used in science?

In science, inequalities are commonly used to represent relationships between variables or physical quantities. They are often used in mathematical models, equations, and experiments to describe patterns, make predictions, and draw conclusions. The concept of at least one inequality being true is important in ensuring the accuracy and validity of scientific findings and theories.

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