Inequality - Maximise & Minimise...

\left(a+b+c \right)\left(\frac{1}{a}+\frac{1}{b}+\frac{1}{c} \right)=16, a,b,c are strictly positive reals......Maximise and minimise
\frac{a}{b}+\frac{b}{c}+\frac{c}{a}...

15 Answers

1
fibonacci ·

if a \ge b \ge c from tchebychev
\frac{a}{b}+\frac{b}{c}+\frac{c}{a} \le \frac{16}{3} so maximum value = 16/3
from AM-GM \frac{a}{b}+\frac{b}{c}+\frac{c}{a} \ge 3 so min value =3

66
kaymant ·

@fibonacci
can you state the values of a, b, c for equality in each case?

1
fibonacci ·

Kaymant sir i'm unable to find the values of a,b,c but is there any specific technique to do so?
also could you please post your method of finding the values of a,b,c

11
Devil ·

fibonacci - ur answer is obviously wrong, as equality in A.M-G.M is when a=b=c, which is not possible here!

1
fibonacci ·

right soumik

66
kaymant ·

The maximum value is \dfrac{1}{2}(13+\sqrt{5}) and the minimum value is \dfrac{1}{2}(13-\sqrt{5}). These are attained for infinitely many values of a,b,c. E.g. Take b=\dfrac{1}{2}(3+\sqrt{5})a and c=\dfrac{1}{2}(3-\sqrt{5})a for maximum; exchange b and c for minimum.

11
Devil ·

wow!!!
How do u arrive at this??? [7]

341
Hari Shankar ·

I am curious as to the source of this problem. Is it that postal coaching stuff?

11
Devil ·

No I saw this problem a few days back at mathlinks, but then lost its source - couldn't find it after last Tuesday!

341
Hari Shankar ·

Hmm, its quite a difficult problem. Its proposed by a Vietnamese guy, so its more difficult than usual. I read the solution in his book and its quite a solution!

BTW, the thread is here: http://www.mathlinks.ro/viewtopic.php?search_id=1109338498&t=308229

1
fibonacci ·

kaymant sir could you please tell the reason for chosing such values!!

1
fibonacci ·

theprophet sir please post the proof! i'm quite curious to see it.

66
kaymant ·

Well as far as I am concerned, I used the methods of Lagrange multipliers. Any body want that?
@theprophet
You have read the solution, could you verify the answer.

341
Hari Shankar ·

the answer is right.

11
Devil ·

Anant sir, I want that! I mean give ur soln....I don't know Langrange multipliers......PLS!!!

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