SCTT The pqr-method august 2016

A. Doledenok, M. Fadin, À. Menshchikov, A. Semchankau

Almost all inequalities considered in our project are symmetric. Hence if plugging
(a0 , b0 , c0 ) into our inequality we obtain an equality, then plugging a permutation of
(a0 , b0 , c0 ) into the same inequality we also obtain an equality. For brevity, we shall
mention only triples that are not permutations of one another.
Therefore after reducing our inequality we assume without loss of generality that either
a = b or a = 0.
1. Let a, b, c be non-negative real numbers such that a + b + c = 1. Prove that
1 + 12abc > 4(ab + bc + ca).

Solution. The desired inequality can be written as 1 + 12r > 4q , and the relation
a + b + c = 1 can be written as p = 1. Fix p and r. Then q attains the maximal value
when a = b and c = 1 − 2a. Substituting a = b and c = 1 − 2a, we get
 3
1 1
24a3 − 24a2 + 8a − 1 6 0 ⇔ 24 a − − 6 0.
3 9

The left hand side attains its maximal value when a does, i.e. a = 12 . Equality is attained
when a = b = 12 , c = 0.
2. Let a, b, c be real numbers such that
a + b + c = 9, ab + bc + ca = 24.

Prove that 16 6 abc 6 20. Prove moreover that for any r ∈ [16, 20] there exist real
numbers a, b, c such that a + b + c = 9, ab + bc + ca = 24, abc = r.
Solution. From the problem 22 it follows that numbers a, b, c are real if and only if p,
q , r are real and T (p, q, r) > 0. Substituting p = 9 and q = 24, we get

T (9, 24, r) = −27(r − 16)(r − 20).

Its value is non-negative if and only if r ∈ [16, 20].

3. Let P be a symmetric polynomial of degree not greater than 5. Prove that if
P (a, a, c) > 0 and P (0, b, c) > 0 for all non-negative real numbers a, b, c, then P (a, b, c) >
0 for all non-negative real numbers a, b, c.
Solution. We have P (a, b, c) = A(p, q)r + B(p, q). Fix p and q . Since P (a, b, c) is linear

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in r, it follows that P (a, b, c) attains its maximal and minimal values only when either
a = b or a = 0.
4. (Russia TST, 2015) Let a, b, c be non-negative real numbers such that 1 + a + b + c =
2abc. Prove that
ab bc ca 3
+ + > .
1+a+b 1+b+c 1+c+a 2
Solution. The desired inequality can be written as
2q 2 − q(p + 1) + 9r + 2pr − 3(p + 1)2 > 0,

and the relation 1 + a + b + c = 2abc can be written as 1 + p = 2r. Fix p and r. The left
hand side is a quadratic polynomial in q , its leading coecient is positive. Its minimal
value is attained when q0 = p+14 .

Let us prove an inequality 4q − (p + 1) > 0. Fix p and r. Left hand side attains its
minimal value when q does. Substituting a = b, c = 2a 2 −1 in 4q − (p + 1) > 0, we get
1+2a

8a4 − 4a3 + 10a2 + 8a > 0,

which is correct.
Since 4q −(p+1) > 0, it follows that left hand side is an increasing function. Substituting
a = b and c = 2a 2 −1 in the desired inequality, we get
1+2a

a(2a2 − 2a − 1)2 > 0.

√
Equality is attained when a = b = c = 1+ 3
2 .
5. (Iran TST, 1996) Let a, b, c be non-negative real numbers such that ab + bc + ca 6= 0.
Prove that  
1 1 1 9
(ab + bc + ca) + + > .
(a + b)2 (b + c)2 (c + a)2 4
Solution. The desired inequality can be written as
4qpr + q(p4 − 2p2 q + q 2 ) 9
2
>
(pq − r) 4

Fix p and q . Since r 6 pq , it follows that left hand side attains its minimal value when
r attains either maximal or minimal value.
• If a = 0, then the desired inequality can be written as

(b − c)2 (b2 + bc + c2 )
> 0.
2bc(b + c)2

Equality is attained when a = 0, b = c.

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 • If a = b, then the desired inequality can be written as

t(t − 1)2 > 0,

where t = cb . Equality is attained when a = b = c.

6. Express a2 + b2 , a3 + b3 , a4 + b4 , (a − b)2 in terms of a + b and ab.

Solution.
a2 + b2 = (a + b)2 − 2ab,
a3 + b3 = (a + b)(a2 − ab + b2 ) = (a + b)((a + b)2 − 3ab),
a4 + b4 = (a2 + b2 )2 − 2a2 b2 = ((a + b)2 − 2ab)2 − 2(ab)2 ,
(a − b)2 = a2 + b2 − 2ab = (a + b)2 − 4ab.

7. Express polynomials a2 + b2 + c2 , a2 b + a2 c + b2 a + b2 c + c2 a + c2 b, a3 + b3 + c3 ,
(ab)2 + (bc)2 + (ca)2 , a4 + b4 + c4 , (a + b)(b + c)(c + a) in terms of p, q, r.
Solution.
a2 + b2 + c2 = (a + b + c)2 − 2(ab + bc + ca) = p2 − 2q,
a2 b + a2 c + b2 a + b2 c + c2 a + c2 b = (a + b + c)(ab + ac + bc) − 3abc = pq − 3r,
a3 + b3 + c3 = p3 − 3(a2 b + a2 c + b2 a + b2 c + c2 a + c2 b) − 6abc = p3 − 3pq + 3r,
(ab)2 + (bc)2 + (ca)2 = (ab + bc + ca)2 − 2(ab2 c + abc2 + a2 bc) = q 2 − 2pr,
a4 + b4 + c4 = (a2 + b2 + c2 )2 − 2(a2 b2 + b2 c2 + c2 a2 ) = p4 − 4p2 q + 2q 2 + 4pr,
(a + b)(b + c)(c + a) = (p − c)(p − a)(p − b) = p3 − p · p2 + pq − r = pq − r.

8. By denition, put sk = ak + bk + ck for any non-negative integer number k. Express

sk (k > 3) in terms of p, q , r, sk−1 , sk−2 and sk−3 .
Solution. Let us prove that sk = psk−1 − qsk−2 + rsk−3 .

psk−1 −qsk−2 +rsk−3 = (a+b+c)(ak−1 +bk−1 +ck−1 )−(ab+bc+ca)(ak−2 +bk−2 +ck−2 ) +

+ abc(ak−3 + bk−3 + ck−3 ) = (sk + abk−1 + ack−1 + bak−1 + bck−1 + cak−1 + cbk−1 ) −
− (abk−1 + ack−1 + bak−1 + bck−1 + cak−1 + cbk−1 + abck−2 + abk−2 c + ak−2 bc) +
+ (abck−2 + abk−2 c + ak−2 bc) = sk .

9. Prove that any symmetric polynomial in a, b, c can be expressed as a polynomial in

p, q , r .
Solution. Let G(a, b, c) be a given polynomial. G = G1 + G2 + G3 , where all monomials
in Gi contain i variables, i = 1, 2, 3. From the previous problem it follows that G1 can
be expressed as a polynomial in p, q , r. Since an equality
sk sl − sk+l = ak bl + ak cl + bk al + bk cl + ck al + ck bl

3
holds, it follows that G2 can be expressed as a polynomial in p, q , r. Finally, for a sum
ak bl cm + . . . in G3 we factorize (abc)n (where n = min(k, l, m)) and reduce our problem
to the previous cases.

 a + b + c = t,
10. Let t be a real number. Solve a system of equations: a2 + b2 + c2 = t2 ,
 3
a + b3 + c3 = t3 .
  
a+b +c = t p=t p = t
Solution. a2 + b2 + c2 = t2 ⇔ p2 − 2q = t2 ⇔ q=0
 3
a + b3 + c3 = t3
 3
p − 3pq + 3r = t3 r=0

If q = 0, then two of a, b, c are equal to zero. So, there are 3 solutions: a = b = 0, c = t
and its permutations.
11. Let a, b, c be real numbers. Prove that q 2 > 3pr .
Solution. Substituting a, b, c in the desired inequality, we get
1 1 1
(ab + bc + ca)2 > 3(a + b + c)abc. ⇔ (ab − ac)2 + (ab − bc)2 + (ac − bc)2 > 0.
2 2 2
r
p q √
12. Let a, b, c be non-negative real numbers. Prove that > > 3 r.
3 3
Solution. r
p p
> ⇔ p2 > 3q ⇔ a2 + b2 + c2 > ab + bc + ca.
3 3
√ √
r
q ab + bc + ca 3
> 3r ⇔ > a2 b2 c2 .
3 3
Using the AM-GM inequality for ab, bc, ca, we get the desired inequality.
13. Prove that a and b are roots of equation x2 − px + q = 0 and there are no other
roots.
Solution. (x − a)(x − b) = x2 − (a + b)x + ab = x2 − px + q. Left hand side equals 0 if
and only if either x = a or x = b.
14. Prove that if p and q are real, then either a and b are both real or b is the complex
conjugate of a.
Solution. If a is real, then b = p − a is also real as a dierence of real numbers. Assume
that a = x + yi, where y 6= 0. Then b = p − a = (p − x) − yi. Since
q = ab = (x + iy)(p − x − yi) = (xp − x2 + y 2 ) + (py − 2xy)i,

it follows that py − 2xy = 0 and p = 2x, so b = x − yi = a.

15. Prove that if p and q are real, then (a − b) is either real or pure imaginary.
Solution. It is an obvious corollary of the previous problem.
16. Which conditions (particularly, inequalities) should satisfy p and q for a and b to
be real?

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Solution. p and q should be real numbers and p2 − 4q should be non-negative.
17. Prove that a and b are real and non-negative if and only if p and q are non-negative
real numbers which satisfy conditions from the previous problem.
Solution. It is an obvious corollary of the previous problem.

18. Prove that a, b, c are roots of equation x3 − px2 + qx − r = 0 and there are no other
roots.
Solution. The proof is similar to the proof of the problem 13.

19. Prove that for real numbers p0 , q 0 , r0 there exist complex numbers a0 , b0 , c0 (unique
up to a permutation) such that p0 = a0 + b0 + c0 , q 0 = a0 b0 + b0 c0 + c0 a0 , r0 = a0 b0 c0 . Prove
moreover that either numbers a0 , b0 , c0 are real or a0 is real and b0 is a complex conjugate
of c0 (up to a permutation).
Solution. Since any polynomial of odd degree has a real root, it follows that the desired
statement is an obvious corollary of the problem 14.
20. Assume that p, q , and r are real numbers. Prove that if a, b, c are real, then
(a − b)(b − c)(c − a) is real, otherwise it is pure imaginary.
Solution. If a, b, c are real numbers, then the problem is obvious. Let a be a real
number, b = x + yi, c = x − yi. Then
(a − b)(b − c)(c − a) = −(a2 − (b + c)a + bc)(b − c) = −2yi(a2 + 2ax + x2 + y 2 ).

21. Prove that

(a − b)2 (b − c)2 (c − a)2 = −4p3 r + p2 q 2 + 18pqr − 4q 3 − 27r2 .

Solution.

(a−b)2 (b−c)2 (c−a)2 = (ab2 +bc2 +ca2 −a2 b−b2 c−c2 a)2 = (ab2 +bc2 +ca2 +a2 b+b2 c+c2 a)2 −

− 4(a2 b + b2 c + c2 a)(ab2 + bc2 + ca2 ) = (pq − 3r)2 − 4((ab)3 + (bc)3 + (ca)3 ) −

− 4(a4 bc+ab4 c+abc4 +3(abc)2 ) = (pq−3r)2 −4(q 3 −3pqr+3r2 )−4r(p3 −3pq+3r)−12r2 =
= −4p3 r + p2 q 2 + 18pqr − 4q 3 − 27r2 .

22. Criterion for reality. Let (p, q, r) be a triple of real numbers. Prove that the
numbers a, b, c (which are dened as the roots of x3 − px2 + qx − r = 0 counting
multiplicities) are real if and only if T (p, q, r) > 0, where T (p, q, r) is a polynomial in 3
variables dened as T (p, q, r) = −4p3 r + p2 q 2 + 18pqr − 4q 3 − 27r2 .
Solution. It is an obvious corollary of the problems 20 and 21.

23. Non-negativity lemma. Prove that p, q , r > 0 and T (p, q, r) > 0 if and only if
a, b, c are non-negative real numbers.

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Solution. It is an obvious corollary of the previous problem.
24. r -lemma. Fix some values p = p0 and q = q0 such that there exists at least one
value of r for which the triple (p0 , q0 , r) is acceptable. Prove that such triple with the
minimal value of r corresponds to a triple (a, b, c) in which either two numbers are equal,
or abc = 0. Prove moreover that such triple with the maximal value of r corresponds to
a triple (a, b, c) containing two equal numbers.
Solution. For triple (p, q, r) to be acceptable it is necessary to have T (p0 , q0 , r) > 0
and r > 0 (p0 , q0 are non-negative, by the condition). Since T (p0 , q0 , r) is a quadratic
function in r with non-negative leading coecient, it follows that T (p0 , q0 , r) > 0 denes
a segment. Therefore the maximal value of r is right end-point of that segment and the
minimal one is either left end-point or 0. Since T (p0 , q0 , r) = 0 in the end-points, it
follows that two numbers of a, b, c are equal (T (p, q, r) = (a − b)2 (b − c)2 (c − a)2 ). If
r = 0, then one number of a, b, c equals 0.
25. q -lemma. Fix some values p = p0 and r = r0 such that there exists at least
one value of q for which the triple (p0 , q, r0 ) is acceptable. Prove that such triples with
minimal and maximal values of q correspond to a triple (a, b, c) containing two equal
numbers.
Solution. T (p0 , q, r0 ) is a third degree polynomial in q with negative leading coecient.
Constant term equals −4p30 r0 − 27r02 , so it is negative. Therefore T (p0 , q, r0 ) > 0 denes
a union of a segment with non-negative end-points and a ray (−∞, q 0 ], where q 0 6 0.
Now the proof is trivial.
26. p-lemma. Fix some values q = q0 and r = r0 > 0 such that there exists at least
one value of p for which the triple (p, q0 , r0 ) is acceptable. Prove that such triples with
minimal and maximal values of p correspond to a triple (a, b, c) containing two equal
numbers.
Does the same statement holds true when r0 = 0?
Solution. The proof is similar to the proof of the problem 25 when r0 6= 0. If r0 = 0,
√
then p ∈ [2 q0 , +∞), i.e. p is unbounded.
27. Let a, b, c be non-negative real numbers such that a1 + 1b + 1c = 1. Prove that
(a − 1)(b − 1)(c − 1) > 8.
Solution. The desired inequality can be written as
r−q+p−9>0
and the relation + + = 1 can be written as q = r. From relation it follows that
1
a
1
b
1
c
r 6= 0. Fix q and r. Then p attains the minimal value when a = b. Substituting a = b
and c = a−2a
, we get
2a2 − 12a + 18 = 2(a − 3)2 6 0.
Equality is attained when a = b = c = 3.
28. Let a, b, c be non-negative real numbers such that a + b + c = 3. Prove that
1 1 1 3
+ + 6 .
9 − ab 9 − bc 9 − ca 8

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Solution. The desired inequality can be written as
−3r2 + 19rp − 99q + 243 > 0

and the relation a + b + c = 3 can be written as p = 3. Fix p and r. Then q attains the
maximal value when a = b. Substituting a = b and c = 3 − 2a, we get
6a4 − 9a3 − 27a2 + 57a − 27 = 3(a − 1)2 (2a2 + a − 9) 6 0.

Since 0 6 a 6 23 , it follows that 2a2 + a − 9 < 0. Equality is attained when a = b = c = 1.

29. Let a, b, c be non-negative real numbers such that a + b + c = 3. Prove that
1 1 1 2
+ + > .
1 + 2ab 1 + 2bc 1 + 2ca 1 + abc
Solution. The desired inequality can be written as
4r2 p + 4rq − 4rp − 16r2 + 3r + 1 > 0

and the relation a + b + c = 3 can be written as p = 3. Fix p and r. Then q attains the
maximal value when a = b. Substituting a = b and c = 3 − 2a, we get
4a4 − 12a3 + 13a2 − 6a + 1 = (2a − 1)2 (a − 1)2 > 0.

Equality is attained when a = b = c = 1, a = b = 12 and c = 2.

30. Let a, b, c be non-negative real numbers such that a + b + c = 4 and a2 + b2 + c2 = 6.
Prove that
a6 + b6 + c6 6 a5 + b5 + c5 + 32.
Solution. Using condition, we get p = 4 and q = 5. Now, by problem 8,
a5 + b5 + c5 = p5 − 5p3 q + 5pq 2 + 5p2 r − 5qr,

a6 + b6 + c6 = p6 − 6p4 q + 6p3 r + 9p2 q 2 − 12pqr − 2q 3 + 3r2 .

Substituting these equalities in the desired inequality, we get inequality that can be
easily proved. Equality is attained when a = b = 1 and c = 2.
31. Let a, b, c be non-negative real numbers such that ab + bc + ca 6= 0. Prove that
1 1 1 10
+ 2 + 2 > .
a2 + b2 b + c2 c + a2 (a + b + c)2
Solution. The desired inequality can be written as
p4 − 4p2 q + 5q 2 − 2pr 10
> 2 ⇔
q 2 p2 − 2q 3 − 2p3 r + 4pqr − r2 p
⇔ 10r2 + r(18p3 − 40pq) − 10p2 q 2 + 20q 3 + p6 − 4p3 q + 5pq 2 > 0.
Since p2 > 3q , it follows that 18p3 − 40pq > 0 and the left hand side attains the minimal
value when r is minimal.

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 • If a = b and t = ac , then the desired inequality can be written as

20t3 − 11t2 + 4t + 1 > 0.

• If a = 0 and t = cb , then the desired inequality can be written as

(t − 1)2 (t4 + 4t3 + t2 + 4t + 1) > 0.

Equality is attained when a = 0, b = c.

32. Let a, b, c be non-negative real numbers. Prove that

a5 + b5 + c5 + abc(ab + bc + ca) > a2 b2 (a + b) + b2 c2 (b + c) + c2 a2 (c + a).

Solution. The desired inequality can be written as

p5 − 5p3 q + 7p2 r + 4pq 2 − 3qr > 0.

If a = b = c = 0, then inequality turns out to be equality. Fix p and q . Since 7p2 > 3q ,
it follows that left hand side is linear in r and the minimal value is attained when r is
minimal.
• If a = 0, then the desired inequality can be written as

(b2 − c2 )(b3 − c3 ) = (b − c)2 (b + c)(b2 + bc + c2 ) > 0.

Equality is attained when a = 0, b = c.

• If a = b, then the desired inequality can be written as

c(c2 − a2 )2 > 0.

Equality is attained when a = b = c.

33. a) Let a, b, c be non-negative real numbers. Prove that

a4 + b4 + c4 3abc 2
+ > (a2 + b2 + c2 ).
ab + bc + ca a + b + c 3
Solution. The desired inequality can be written as
3p5 − 14p3 q + 8q 2 p + 12p2 r + 9qr > 0.

If a = b = c = 0, then inequality turns out to be equality. Fix p and q . Left hand side is
linear in r and the minimal value is attained when r is minimal.
• If a = 0 and t = cb , then the desired inequality can be written as

3t4 − 2t3 − 2t + 4 > 0.

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 • If a = b and t = ac , then the desired inequality can be written as

4t5 − 5t4 + 6t3 − 10t2 + 2t + 3 = (t − 1)2 (4t3 + 3t2 + 8t + 3) > 0.

Equality is attained when a = b = c.

b) Find the least non-negative real k such that the inequality
a4 + b4 + c4 3abc a2 + b2 + c2
k + (1 − k) >
ab + bc + ca a+b+c 3
holds for all non-negative numbers a, b, c.
Solution. The solution is similar to the previous problem.

34. For positive real numbers a, b, c dene X = a2 +b2

2c2 + b2 +c2
2a2 + c2 +a2
2b2 ,Y = 2a
b+c +
c+a + a+b . Prove that
2b 2c

4X + 69 > 27Y.
Solution. The desired inequality can be written as
f (p, q, r) = −225r3 − 50p3 r2 + 4q 3 r + 55pqr2 + 6p2 q 2 r − 4p4 qr − 4pq 4 + 2p3 q 3 > 0. (∗)

Fix p = p0 and q = q0 . Then f 00 (p0 , q0 , r) = −1350r − 100p30 + 110p0 q0 . Let us prove that
−1350r − 100p3 + 110pq 6 0.

Fix p and r. The left hand side is linear in q . So q attains the minimal value when
a = b. Since inequality is homogeneous, we see that it is enough to prove inequality
when a = b = 1. Substituting a = b = 1 in the desired inequality, we get
−20(5c3 + 19c2 + 100c + 29) 6 0,

which is correct.
From f 00 (p0 , q0 , r) 6 0 it follows that f is concave. So it attains the minimal value when
r is either minimal or maximal.
• Substituting a = 0 in (∗), we get

pq 3 (2p2 − 4q) > 0.

• Substituting a = b = 1 in the desired inequality, we get

(c − 2)2 (c − 1)2 (4c + 1) > 0.

Equality is attained when 2a = 2b = c and a = b = c.

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 35. a) Let P (a, b, c) be a homogeneous symmetric polynomial of degree not greater than
8. Find an algorithm checking whether P is non-negative when a, b, c are non-negative.
We assume that we are ale to nd extrema and zeroes of an arbitrary function in one
variable.
Solution. Without loss of generality, the degree of the polynomial P (a, b, c) is equal to
8. If a = 0 and t = cb , then
P (0, b, c) > 0 ⇔ P (0, 0, c) > 0, P (0, 1, t) > 0.

If a = b and t = ac , then
P (a, a, c) > 0 ⇔ P (0, 0, c) > 0, P (1, 1, t) > 0.

Consider an inequality
P (a, b, c) = A(q)r2 + B(q)r + C(q) > 0

Fix q such that A(q) 6 0. Then P (a, b, c) > 0 ⇔ P (a, a, c) > 0, P (0, b, c) > 0. Fix q such
that A(q) > 0. The left hand side is minimal when r = r0 = − 2A(q)
B(q)
. Since T (p, q, r) > 0,
 9q−2 2−6q √ √
it follows that r belongs to a segment I = 27 − 27 1 − 3q, 27 + 2−6q 9q−2
1 − 3q .

27
If r0 ∈/ I , then
P (a, b, c) > 0 ⇔ P (a, a, c) > 0, P (0, b, c) > 0.
If r0 ∈ I , then
P (a, b, c) > 0 ⇔ A(q)r02 + B(q)r0 + C(q) > 0 ⇔ 4A(q)C(q) − B 2 (q) > 0. (∗)

Finally, we have the following algorithm:

1. Check that P (0, b, c) > 0.
2. Check that P (a, a, c) > 0.
3. Express an inequality P (a, b, c) > 0 in terms of p, q , r and substitute p = 1.
4. Find q such that A(q) > 0.
5. Find q such that r0 = − 2A(q)
B(q)
∈ I.

6. For q belonging to the intersection of sets from 4 and 5 check (∗).

b) Find an analogous algorithm for a homogeneous symmetric polynomial of degree not

greater than 17.
Hint. Recall Cardano's formula. Note also that arithmetical roots can be complex.

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c*)Find an analogous algorithm for any homogeneous symmetric polynomial.
√ √ √
36. Let a, b, c be non-negative real numbers such that a + b + c = 3. Prove that

2(a + b + c − 2)2 + (ab + bc + ca)(2 + 3(a + b + c)) > 35.

Hint.Perform the substitution a = x2 , b = y 2 , c = z 2 .
37. Let a, b, c be real numbers such that a, b, c > 1 and a + b + c = 9. Prove that
√ √ √ √
ab + bc + ca > a+ b+ c.
Hint.Perform the substitution a = (x + 1)2 , b = (y + 1)2 , c = (z + 1)2 .
38. Let a, b, c be positive real numbers. Prove that
 3  3  3
a b c 13abc
+ + + > 2.
b+c c+a a+b (a + b)(b + c)(c + a)
Hint. Perform the substitution x = a
b+c ,y= b
a+c ,z= c
a+b . Then
xy + yz + zx + 2xyz = 1.

39. Let a, b, c be positive real numbers such that a2 + b2 + c2 + abc = 4. Prove that
a2 b2 c2
+ + 6 1.
4 − bc 4 − ca 4 − ab
Solution. The desired inequality can be written as
abc(a +b +c3 )−4(a2 +b2 +c2 )(ab+bc+ca)+a2 b2 c2 +16(a2 +b2 +c2 )+16(ab+bc+ca)−64 6 0.
3 3

Since a2 + b2 + c2 = 4 − abc, we get

abc(a3 + b3 + c3 + 4(ab + bc + ca) + abc − 16) 6 0.
Consider the case a = 0. Equality is attained when a = 0, b2 +c2 = 4. Otherwise dividing
both sides by abc, we obtain
a3 + b3 + c3 6 16 − abc − 4(ab + ac + bc). (∗)
Substituting x−2 for a, y −2 for b, z −2 for c in (*) and the relation a2 +b2 +c2 +abc = 4,
where x, y, z > 2, we get
p3 − 3pq + 4r 6 6p2 − 14q
and the relation r = 4q − p2 . Multiplying both sides by 4q − p2 , we get the homogeneous
inequality
(p3 − 3pq + 4r)(4q − p2 ) 6 (6p2 − 14q)r.
It is equivalent to the inequality
0 6 r(10p2 − 30q) − (p3 − 3pq)(4q − p2 ).
The coecient of r equals 0 if and only if x = y = z , i.e. a = b = c. Therefore equality
in the desired inequality is attained when a = b = c = 1. Otherwise the right hand side
is minimal when r is minimal.

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 • If x = 0, then a = 2. Now if we recall a2 + b2 + c2 + abc = 4, we get b = c = 0.
This solution has been found before.
• If x = y , then
z = 4x − x2 = 4(a + 2) − (a + 2)2 = 4 − a2 .
Therefore a = b, c = 2 − a2 . If we combine this with (*), we obtain
0 6 (a − 1)2 (a + 2)2 (a2 − 2a + 2).

Equality is attained when a = b = c = 1.

40. Let a, b, c be real numbers. Prove that

(a2 + b2 + c2 )2 > 3(a3 b + b3 c + c3 a).

Equality holds if either a = b = c or

a b c b c a
= 2 2π = , = 2 2π = ,
sin2 4π
7 sin 7 sin2 π
7 sin2 4π
7 sin 7 sin2 π
7

c a b
= 2 2π = .
sin2 4π
7 sin 7 sin2 π
7
Hint. Perform the substitution a = x + 2 cos π7 y , b = y + 2 cos π7 z , c = z + 2 cos π7 x.
Then we get homogeneous inequality.
But there exists another solutions. By denition put
f (a, b, c) = (a2 + b2 + c2 )2 − 3(a3 b + b3 c + c3 a).

Then either
1 2 1
f (a, b, c) = (a − 2ab + bc − c2 + ac)2 + (b2 − 2bc + ac − a2 + ab)2 +
2 2
1
+ (c2 − 2ac + ab − b2 + bc)2 ,
2
or
1 2 3
f (a, b, c) = (a + b2 − 3ab + 3ac − 2c2 )2 + (a2 − ab − ac − b2 + 2bc)2 .
4 4
41. Find conditions on numbers p, q , r necessary and sucient for
a) numbers a, b, c to be not less than 1;
Solution. It is an obvious corollary of the problem 23. T (p, q, r) > 0 and

(a − 1) + (b − 1) + (c − 1) > 0 ⇔ p > 3,

(a − 1)(b − 1) + (b − 1)(c − 1) + (c − 1)(a − 1) > 0 ⇔ q − 2p + 3 > 0,

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 (a − 1)(b − 1)(c − 1) > 0 ⇔ r − q + p − 1 > 0.
b) numbers a, b, c to be side lengths of a triangle (perhaps degenerate);
Hint. Use the problem 23 for numbers (a + b − c), (a − b + c), (−a + b + c).
c) non-negative real numbers a, b, c to satisfy 2 min(a, b, c) > max(a, b, c).
Hint. 2 min(a, b, c) > max(a, b, c) ⇔ 2a > b, 2a > c, 2b > a, 2b > c, 2c > a, 2c > b ⇔
⇔ a > 0, b > 0, c > 0, (2a − b)(2b − a) > 0, (2b − c)(2c − b) > 0, (2a − c)(2c − a) > 0.
42. Let a, b, c be real numbers such that a, b, c ∈ 31 , 3 . Prove that
 

a b c 7
+ + > .
a+b b+c c+a 5
Hint. Perform the substitution x = ab , y = cb , z = ac .
43. Let a, b, c be side lengths of a triangle. Prove that
   
1 1 1 a b c
(a + b + c) + + >6 + + .
a b c b+c a+c b+a

44. Prove that there exists a polynomial S(x, y, z) such that the following conditions
are equivalent: (i) a, b, c are real numbers; (ii) S(x, y, z) > 0, where x = a + b + c,
y = a2 + b2 + c2 , z = a3 + b3 + c3 .
Solution.
x2 − y x3 − 3xy + 2z
 
S(x, y, z) = T (p, q, r) = T x, , .
2 2

45. Prove that the following conditions are equivalent: (i) s ∈ 86 9 , 10 ; (ii) there exist
 

real numbers a, b, c such that a + b + c = 4, a2 + b2 + c2 = 6, a3 + b3 + c3 = s.

Solution. It is an obvious corollary of the previous problem.
46. (USA TST, 2001) Let a, b, c be non-negative real numbers such that a2 + b2 + c2 +
abc = 4. Prove that
ab + bc + ca − abc 6 2.
Hint. x = a + b + c = p, y = a + b2 + c2 = p2 − 2q , z = abc.
2

47. (China-West, 2004) Let a, b, c be positive real numbers. Prove that

a b c 3√
1< √ +√ +√ 6 2.
+ba2
2 2
b +c 2 2
c +a 2 2
q q q
Hint. Perform the substitution x = 1 + ab 2 , y = 1 + cb2 , z = 1 + .
2 2 a2
c2

48. Let a, b, c be non-negative real numbers such that a2 + b2 + c2 + nabc = n + 3 for

some real n.
a) Assume that 0 6 n 6 32 . Prove that a + b + c 6 3.

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 Assume that 6 n 6 2. Prove that a + b + c 6 2(n + 3).
3
p
b) 2
Hint. x = a + b + c, y = a + b + c + nabc, z = abc.
2 2 2

c)Assume that n = 2. Prove that ab + bc + ac − abc 6 52 .

Hint. The proof is simular to the proof of the problem 46.

49. Let a, b, c be non-negative numbers such that a2 + b2 + c2 + abc = 4. Prove that

√
a2 b2 + b2 c2 + c2 a2 > abc(2 + 4 − 3abc).

Hint. x = a2 + b2 + c2 + abc = 4, y = ab + bc + ca, z = abc.

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