Triangle Inequality Proof for Side Lengths of Triangle ABC

In summary, the triangle inequality theorem states that the sum of any two sides of a triangle must be greater than the third side. It can be proven using the direct method or the contrapositive method. This theorem is important in geometry and has applications in proving other theorems and determining the possibility of forming a valid triangle. It only applies to triangles, but there are similar inequalities for other shapes. However, there are exceptions to this theorem in non-Euclidean geometries and degenerate triangles.
  • #1
Albert1
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Triangle ABC with side lengths a,b,c please prove :

$ \sqrt {ab}+\sqrt {bc}+\sqrt {ca}\leq a+b+c<2\sqrt {ab}+2\sqrt {bc}+2\sqrt {ca}$
 
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  • #2
Albert said:
Triangle ABC with side lengths a,b,c please prove :

$ \sqrt {ab}+\sqrt {bc}+\sqrt {ca}\leq a+b+c<2\sqrt {ab}+2\sqrt {bc}+2\sqrt {ca}$
proof of left side:
$2\sqrt {ab}\leq a+b----(1)$
$2\sqrt {bc}\leq b+c----(2)$
$2\sqrt {ca}\leq c+a----(3)$
(1)+(2)+(3):$2(\sqrt {ab}+\sqrt {bc}+\sqrt {ca})\leq 2(a+b+c)$
$\therefore \sqrt {ab}+\sqrt {bc}+\sqrt {ca}\leq a+b+c$
 
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  • #3
Albert said:
proof of left side:
$2\sqrt {ab}\leq a+b----(1)$
$2\sqrt {bc}\leq b+c----(2)$
$2\sqrt {ca}\leq c+a----(3)$
(1)+(2)+(3):$2(\sqrt {ab}+\sqrt {bc}+\sqrt {ca})\leq 2(a+b+c)$
$\therefore \sqrt {ab}+\sqrt {bc}+\sqrt {ca}\leq a+b+c$
proof of right side:
let: $a\leq b\leq c$
$\sqrt {ab}+\sqrt {bc}\geq a+b-----(4)$
$\sqrt {bc}+\sqrt {ca}\geq a+b-----(5)$
$\sqrt {ca}+\sqrt {ab}\geq a+a-----(6)$
(4)+(5)+(6):
$2(\sqrt {ab}+\sqrt {bc}+\sqrt {ca})> 2a+2c>a+b+c$
 

FAQ: Triangle Inequality Proof for Side Lengths of Triangle ABC

What is the triangle inequality theorem?

The triangle inequality theorem states that the sum of any two sides of a triangle must be greater than the third side.

How do you prove the triangle inequality theorem?

To prove the triangle inequality theorem, you can use the direct method or the contrapositive method. The direct method involves showing that the sum of any two sides is greater than the third side, while the contrapositive method involves showing that if the sum of any two sides is not greater than the third side, then a triangle cannot be formed.

Why is the triangle inequality theorem important?

The triangle inequality theorem is important because it is a fundamental concept in geometry and is used to prove many other theorems and geometric properties. It also helps us determine if a given set of side lengths can form a valid triangle.

Can the triangle inequality theorem be applied to all shapes?

No, the triangle inequality theorem only applies to triangles. However, there are similar inequalities for other shapes, such as the polygon inequality for polygons.

Are there any exceptions to the triangle inequality theorem?

Yes, there are a few exceptions to the triangle inequality theorem. In non-Euclidean geometries, such as spherical geometry, the triangle inequality may not hold. Additionally, in degenerate triangles, where one or more sides have length 0, the triangle inequality may not hold.

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