You are here:

Advanced Math/Inequality Proofs

Advertisement


Question
Prove that for all real numbers a,b,and c that
bc+ac+ab (is less than or equal to) a^2+b^2+c^2

Answer
Questioner:   Pete
Category:  Advanced Math
Private:  No
 
Subject:  Mathematical Proofs
Question:  Prove that for all real numbers a,b,and c that
bc+ac+ab (is less than or equal to) a^2+b^2+c^2
............................................
Hi, Pete,
In the future, please tell me just what you are studying. What subject?  What part of it?

Consider the difference:

2(a^2 + b^2 + c^2) - 2(ab + ac + ab) =

2a^2 + 2b^2 + 2c^2 - 2ab - 2ac - 2ab =

a^2 - 2ab + b^2 + a^2 - 2ac + c^2 + b^2 - 2bc + c^2  =

(a - b)^2 + (a - c)^2 + (b - c)^2

And that, my friend is >= 0.

Advanced Math

All Answers


Answers by Expert:


Ask Experts

Volunteer


Paul Klarreich

Expertise

I can answer questions in basic to advanced algebra (theory of equations, complex numbers), precalculus (functions, graphs, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions and identities), basic probability, and finite mathematics, including mathematical induction. I can also try (but not guarantee) to answer questions on Abstract Algebra -- groups, rings, etc. and Analysis -- sequences, limits, continuity. I won't understand specialized engineering or business jargon.

Experience

I taught at a two-year college for 25 years, including all subjects from algebra to third-semester calculus.

Education/Credentials
-----------

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.