Comprehensive Oxford Mathematics and Physics Online School (COMPOS)

Year 12

Mathematics Assignment 07
Equations and Inequalities
David Vaccaro, Vladimir Chernov, Alexander Lvovsky

Due 13th April, 2025

This is the seventh mathematics assignment from COMPOS Y12. This assignment is designed to stretch
you and no student is expected to complete all questions on the first attempt. The problems are hard,
but do not let this discourage you. Give each problem a go, and skip to the next one if you are stuck.
The questions in each section are arranged in the order of increasing complexity, so you should try all
sections. Very similar problems will be discussed in tutorials and webinars, so think of the questions
you would like to ask. We hope that eventually you can solve most of the problems. Good luck!

Total 94 marks.

This and next assignments are dedicated to solving equations and inequalities. Here we deal with algebraic
functions (rational and irrational), and in the next assignment, we delve into exponential, logarithmic and
trigonometric functions. Admittedly, this subject is not as inspiring as many others we cover in COMPOS.
However, such “boring” problems arise frequently in the context of more complex science, and your ability
to solve them semi-automatically and correctly will ensure that your brain is not distracted from more
substantive questions. Also, equations and inequalities are ubiquitous in all sorts of examinations!

1 Equations

1.1 Irrational equations

1.1.1 Valid Values

When solving equations, it is important to establish the range of valid values of the unknown variable(s).

Example 1. Solve the equation: √ √

3 − 2x = 3 − 2x
Solution: Squaring both sides, we get 3 − 2x = 3 − 2x, equivalent to 0 = 0, which is true for any value of x.
However, the expression under a square root cannot be negative, so we must have 3 − 2x ≥ 0 ⇒ x ≤ 1.5

Answer: x ≤ 1.5

As we see, solving an irrational equation may involve squaring both sides, which often leads to extraneous
solutions, which have to be checked against the range of valid values. Usually the best way of checking is

1
to substitute the roots into the original equation. The above example is an exception: the equation has
infinitely many roots, so it is impossible to check them by substitution.

When solving an equation, always perform a “sanity check” by substituting your answers into the
original equation!

In this section, we ask you to do the sanity check explicitly as a part of the solution you submit.

Example 2. Solve the equation: p

4 − x2 = −1
Solution: The left-hand side of the equation is positive for any value of x. Hence, there are no solutions.

Answer: x ∈ ∅.

Problem 1 (4 marks). Solve the equations:

√ √ √
a) 2x − 9 + 4 3 − x = 3 x + 27;
√
b) (7x − 3x2 ) 3x − 5 = 0;
√ √ √
c) 3x + 7 + x − 4 = 2 x;
1 1 √
d) √ − √ = 3.
2 2
x− x −x x+ x −x

1.1.2 Monotonic Functions

You can use the properties of monotonic functions to solve equations. Consider the following example:

Example 3. Solve the equation √ √

6x − 14 + 2x − 1 = 7.

Solution. This equation can be solved by squaring both sides, but you can also guess the solution by noticing
that the function in the left-hand side is monotonically increasing1 . The right-hand side is a constant y = 7,
so the graphs of the two sides can only have one point of intersection. That means that the equation can
only have one solution. We will use trial and error to find x = 5.
1A function f (x) is monotonically increasing if for any x1 , x2 such that x2 > x1 , we have f (x2 ) > f (x1 )

2
 y √ √
y= 6x − 14 + 2x − 1
9
8
y=7
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0 x
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Problem 2 (4 marks).

Solve the equations

√ √ √
a) 10x + 19 + x + 1 = 3 −2x − 1;
√ √
b) 5x − 1 + 7x + 2 = 7.

1.1.3 Solving equations using substitution

Example 4. Solve the equation: r

x + 2 4(x − 1)
− =1
x−1 x+2

Solution. Let r
x+2
u= ,
x−1
then the equation becomes
4
u− = 1 ⇒ u3 − u2 − 4 = 0;
u2
(u − 2)(u2 + u + 2) = 0 ⇔ u = 2;
r
x+2 x+2
=2⇒ = 4 ⇔ x = 2.
x−1 x−1
Substituting into the original equation, we find this root to be valid2
2 You will notice that sometimes we use the symbol ⇒ and sometimes ⇔ when we transform equations. This is deliberate.

For example, the statements (u − 2)(u2 + u + 2) = 0 and u = 2 are equivalent: the first statement holds if and only if the second
4
one does. On the other hand, the equation u3 − u2 − 4 = 0 does not immediately entail u − 2 = 1 because by multiplying both
u
sides of the latter equation by u2 we could have introduced an extraneous route u = 0 so we use the symbor ⇒. Alternatively,
we could say
4
u − 2 = 1 ⇔ u3 − u2 − 4 = 0 and u ̸= 0.
u

3
Answer: x = 2

Example 5. Solve the equation: √ √

3 3
2−x+ x+7=3

Solution. Let √ √
3 3
u= 2 − x; v = x+7
Then the equation becomes u + v = 3. We also notice that u3 + v 3 = 2 − x + x + 7 = 9 — so now we have
two equations for two variables, u and v. Substituting v = 3 − u into the second equation, we find

u3 + (3 − u)3 = 9 ⇔ 27 − 27u + 9u2 = 9 ⇔ u2 − 3u + 2 = 0.

This equation has two roots, u = 1 and u = 2, yielding the two roots of the initial equation, x = 1 and
x = −6.

Problem 3 (6 marks). Solve the equations

r r
7
5−x x+3
a) + 7 = 2;
x+3 5−x
√ √ √
b) 6 3 x − 3 + 3 x − 2 = 5 6 x2 − 5x + 6;
√
c) x3 + x + 3 x3 + x − 2 = 12.

1.2 Equation with modulus

As an example of how to treat an equation containing moduli, consider the equation

|f (x)| = g(x).

It can be rewritten as follows:

((f (x) = g(x) ∧ f (x) ≥ 0) ∨ (−f (x) = g(x) ∧ f (x) < 0),

where ∧ and ∨ denote logical “and” and “or”, respectively. This notation is hard to read, and an alternative
notation can be preferrable:

(
f (x) = g(x)
 f (x) ≥ 0

(
 −f (x) = g(x) .

f (x) < 0
Here we used a square bracket in to indicate that either the first or the second line must hold. In contrast,
curly brackets mark sets of statements in which all equations must hold at the same time.

4
 
0" < x < 3

 x≤1


 x>5
Problem 4 (2 marks). Find the set of values of x that satisfy:

 −2 < x ≤ 5
"
 x≤0

x>1


Problem 5 (2 marks). Use the bracket notation to rewrite the equation |f (x)| = |g(x)| without moduli.

Hint: the correct answer, when properly simplified, contains only two lines.

Example 6. Solve the equation:

x2 − 6|x − 1| + 9 = 7

Solution. We have two options:

"
 x=2
( (
x2 − 6(x − 1) + 9 = 7 x2 − 6x + 8 = 0

 x=4

 x−1≥0  x≥1
 

⇔ ⇔
( x ≥ 1
( ( 
 x2 − 6(−x + 1) + 9 = 7  x2 + 6x − 4 = 0 √
 x = −3 ± 13
  
x−1<0 x<1
x<1

Luckily, all the roots satisfy the corresponding inequalities.

√ √
Answer: 2, 4, −3 − 13, −3 + 13.

Problem 6 (6 marks). Solve the equations:

a) |3 − x| − 3 = 2|x| − x2 ;
b) |x2 − 6|x| + 9| = 9;
√ √
c) 4x2 − 4x + 1 + x2 + 2x + 1 = 2x + 1;
d) |x5 − 6x2 + 9x − 6| = |x5 − 2x3 + 6x2 − 13x + 6|;
p
e) |x2 + 14x + 47| − 1 = |x + 7| − 1.

Problem 7 (3 marks). For which values of the parameter a does the equation ||x − 1| − 2 + a| = 7 have
exactly three distinct roots?

1.3 Systems of Equations

 √1 + √1 = 4 ,


Example 7. Solve simultaneous equations: x y 3

xy = 9.


5
Solution. Note that the equations are valid only when x > 0 and y > 0.
√ √ √ √
1 1 4 y+ x 4 y+ x 4 √ √
Simplifying the first equation: √ + √ = ⇔ √ = ⇒ = ⇔ x+ y =4
x y 3 xy 3 3 3
√ √
The second equation can be written as x y = 3.
(√ (
(√ x=1 x=1
√  √ 
x+ y =4  y=3  y=9
So √ √ ⇒
 √x = 3
( ⇒(
x y=3  x=9
√
 
y=1 y=1

We see that both sets of roots satisfy the condition x > 0 and y > 0.

Answer: {(1, 9), (9, 1)}.

Problem 8 (6 marks, Skanavi). Solve simultaneous equations:

r r
x+y x−y
+ = 14,



a) r 2 r 3
x+y x−y
−


 = 3.
8 12

 x + 2 + y = 5,
r

b) y x 2
|x + y| = 5.

(
|x − 3| + |y − 2| = 3
c)
y + |x − 3| = 5.

Problem 9 (9 marks, Skanavi, MIPT). Solve simultaneous equations:

( √
u + v + u2 − v 2 = 12,
a) √
v u2 − v 2 = 12.
r
4 2 p 2 3 2
x + x − 9y 2 = − x,



b) r 9 4 3
15
− 2x − 4y = 1 + 4y.



16

x − y + z = 6,

c) x2 + y 2 + z 2 = 14,

 3
x − y 3 + z 3 = 36.

6
2 Inequalities

Similarly to equations, inequalities are solved by performing identical transformations on its parts. When
solving equations, we encountered situations in which such operations can introduce extra roots or result
in loss of valid roots. With inequalities, this risk is exacerbated by the fact that the solution sets are not
isolated numbers, but continuous intervals on the number axis. Errors are more difficult to discover by
“sanity checks”: we cannot substitute infinitely many roots to see if the inequality is valid. Moreover, some
identical operations on the two parts may change the sign of the inequality. The only way to avoid errors
is to keep track how each transformation affects the inequality for any value of the unknown variable. Does
it change the domain of the functions in the two sides? Does it change the sign of the inequality? Does it
involve squaring of a negative number? Such bookkeeping is tedious, but entirely doable, as we shall see in
the examples below.

2.1 Rational inequalities

Rational inequalities are inequalities involving algebraic fractions. It is important to remember that you
must be careful about multiplying both sides of an inequality by an algebraic expression, as if that algebraic
expression is ever negative then the direction of the inequality would need to be reversed.

2.1.1 Multiplying both sides by a function

1
Example 8. Solve the inequality < 1.
3 − 2x

Solution. Let us multiply both sides of the inequality by 3 − 2x. We must keep in mind, however, that the
inequality will change sign if 3 − 2x < 0. Hence our inequality is equivalent to

(1 < 3 − 2x ∧ 3 − 2x > 0) ∨ (1 > 3 − 2x ∧ 3 − 2x < 0),

(we use logical symbols here instead of the bracket notation to save space). This is equivalent to
3 3 3
(x < 1 ∧ x < ) ∨ (x > 1 ∧ x > ) ⇔ x < 1 ∨ x > .
2 2 2
3
We hence have the solution: {x : x < 1} ∪ {x : x > }. Since the inequality is satisfied by points which are
2
in either of the two intervals, the solution set is a union of two intervals.

Problem 10 (6 marks). Solve the following inequalities.

x
a) < 3;
2+x
x−9
b) ≤ x;
x−5
x−1 1
c) < .
x+2 4

7
2.1.2 Graphs for solving inequalities

An important tool for avoiding errors when solving inequalities is plotting graphs of the two sides.

Example 9. Solve the inequality

x+2 2x − 5
≥
3 x−4

x+2 2x − 5 3
Solution. Sketching the graphs of y = and y = = 2+ shows two points of intersection,
3 x−4 x−4
A and B.

y
x=4

y=2 B

A
x

The x-coordinates of the points of intersection, A and B, can be found using algebra.
x+2 2x − 5
=
3 x−4
x2 − 4x + 2x − 8 = 6x − 15
x2 − 8x + 7 = 0
x=1∨x=7
x+2 2x − 5
Now, considering when the line y = lies above the curve y = , gives the solution {x : 1 ≤ x <
3 x−4
4} ∪ {x : x ≥ 7}.

This graphical approach to inequalities often involves more work than other methods, but especially if you
have a graphical calculator or graphing software like Desmos available then it is a good way to develop an
intuitive understanding.

Problem 11 (4 marks).

a) Solve the inequality sin x + 1 > cos 2x;

b) Solve the inequality sin x > cos 2x.

Note: give all intervals

8
2.1.3 Method of Intervals

This method is useful for solving inequalities of the form

(x − a1 ) . . . (x − an )
> 0.
(x − b1 ) . . . (x − bm )
This idea is that the sign of the left-hand side changes whenexer the value of x passes one of the a’s or b’s.

Example 10. Solve the inequality

(x + 3)(5 − x)
> 0.
2x − 5

Solution. We first need to find the critical values — points where the numerator or the denominator turns
5 (x + 3)(5 − x)
to zero. We have 3 such points: x = −3, x = and x = 5. The function f (x) = will have a
2 2x − 5
constant sign between critical values, so we only need to check a single value for each interval. Alternatively,
you find the sign of the function for a large value of x, and then the signs alternate as you go through critical
values.

We draw the number line and put the critical values. We indicate the intervals as positive and negative.

+ +
−3 5 5 x
− −
2

The solution set is the union of intervals where the function is positive: x ∈ (−∞; −3) ∪ (5/2; 5), which can
5
also be written as {x : x < −3} ∪ {x : < x < 5}.
2

Example 11. Solve the inequality

1 1
≤ .
x2 − 5x + 6 2

1
Solution. We begin by subtracting (to get an inequality with zero on the RHS) and then factorise the
2
resulting expression into linear factors:
1 1 2 − x2 + 5x − 6
− =
x2 − 5x + 6 2 2(x − 2)(x − 3)
−(x − 1)(x − 4)
= .
2(x − 2)(x − 3)
We now consider the resulting inequality
−(x − 1)(x − 4)
≤0
2(x − 2)(x − 3)
which can be rewritten as
(x − 1)(x − 4)
≥0
(x − 2)(x − 3)
The critical values, where brackets change sign, are x = 1, x = 2, x = 3 and x = 4. We can consider the sign
of each bracket by drawing a table.

9
 x<1 x=1 1<x<2 x=2 2<x<3 x=3 3<x<4 x=4 x>4
(x − 1) -ve 0 +ve +ve +ve +ve +ve +ve +ve
(x − 2) -ve -ve -ve 0 +ve +ve +ve +ve +ve
(x − 3) -ve -ve -ve -ve -ve 0 +ve +ve +ve
(x − 4) -ve -ve -ve -ve -ve -ve -ve 0 +ve
(x − 1)(x − 4)
+ve 0 -ve undef. +ve undef. -ve 0 +ve
(x − 2)(x − 3)

The last line of the table can be shown graphically as follows:

+ + +
• •
1 2 3 4 x
− −

The function has constant sign between critical points. To find the sign we need to substitute a value from
the far right interval. For example, the LHS is positive when x is very large, hence the plus sign. Then going
from right to left the sign changes at critical points.

The solution set is the union of intervals where the function is positive: x ∈ (−∞; 1] ∪ (2; 3) ∪ [4; +∞), which
can also be written as {x : x ≤ 1} ∪ {x : 2 < x < 3} ∪ {x : x ≥ 4}.

Notice that we needed to be careful about whether to include the end points of each boundary. We included
x = 1 and x = 4 because at those points the function equals zero (and hence satisfies the non-strict
inequality), but we excluded the points x = 2 and x = 3 where the function is not defined. In the graph,
we marked the excluded points by circles and the behaviour of the function around these points by rounded
curves.

Problem 12 (4 marks).

x2 + x − 20
a) > 0;
(x − 3)x
 2
3−x
b) ≥ 1;
2+x
c) x8 − 6x7 + 9x6 − x2 + 6x − 9 < 0;
3x2 − 7x + 8
d) 1 < < 2.
x2 + 1

2.2 Irrational Inequalities

When considering inequalities involving roots, one needs to think both about the interval where the inequality
is satisfied and the interval on which the roots are defined.

Example 12. Solve the inequality p

x2 − 4x > x − 3.

10
 9
Solution. Naı̈vely, we would just square both parts, obtaining x2 − 4x > (x − 3)2 ⇒ x > . However, we
2
must account for (a) the requirement that the expression under the root is non-negative, i.e. x ≥ 4 ∨ x ≤ 0
and (b) the possibility that the RHS is negative (x < 3), in which case (as long as the LHS is defined) the
inequality is satisfied automatically. Hence the solution is
9 9
(x ≥ 4 ∨ x ≤ 0) ∧ (x < 3 ∨ x > ) ⇔ x≤0∨x> .
2 2

A good way to avoid such bookkeeping is, again, by using graphs and/or a bit of ingenuity.

Example 13. Solve the inequality √ √

x+3+ x + 8 < 9.

√ We begin by noting that both roots are defined if and only if x ≥ −3, since if x + 3 is negative
Solution.
then x + 3 is not defined.
√ √
An important observation is that x + 3 + x + 8 is a monotone increasing function. This implies that the
desired values of x are those to the left of the point of intersection.

(0, 9) A

√
(−3, 5)
x

We can find the position of A using algebra.

√ √
x+3+ x+8=9
p
2x + 11 + 2 (x + 5)(x + 8) = 81
p
(x + 3)(x + 8) = 35 − x
x2 + 11x + 24 = 1225 − 70x + x2
81x = 1201
1201
x=
81
 
1201 1201
The point A , 9 and the inequality is satisfied when −3 ≤ x < .
81 81

Example 14. Solve the inequality √

3x + 1 1
< .
3x − 1 2

√
Solution. We first note that x ≥ 0, and so we can write 3x = ( 3x)2 which allows us to simplify the left

11
hand side as
√ √
3x + 1 3x + 1
= √ √
3x − 1 ( 3x − 1)( 3x + 1)
1
=√ .
3x − 1
√
1 1 3 − 3x
This means we have to solve √ < , and rewriting this as √ < 0 gives:
3x − 1 2 3x − 1
√ √
3x < 1 or 3x > 3.

Solving these inequalities (and recalling that the function is not defined for negative x) gives

{x : 0 ≤ x < 1/3} ∪ {x : x > 3}.

Example 15. Solve the inequality

4 √
√ − 2 − x < 2.
2−x

√
Solution. First note that 2 − x ≥ 0 ⇒ x ≤ 2. Let u = 2 − x, then u > 0 and the inequality becomes
1
− u < 2.
u

We will solve this using the method of intervals:

4 − u2 − 2u u2 + 2u − 4
<0⇒ >0
u u
Factorising the numerator: √ √
(u + 1 + 5)(u + 1 − 5)
>0
u

+ +
√ √ u
0
− −1 − 5 − −1 + 5

√
Since u > 0, we only have one acceptable interval: u > −1 + 5.
√ √ √ √
Hence 2 − x > −1 + 5 ⇒ 2 − x > 6 − 2 5 ⇔ x < −4 + 2 5
√
Answer: x < −4 + 2 5

Problem 13 (8 marks). Solve the inequalities:

√ √
a) x−4+ x + 3 < 7;

12
 √ √
b) (STEP 2001) 3x + 10 > 2 + x + 4;
r
x2 − x
c) < 1;
x+3
r
1 3 1 1
d) 2
− < − .
x 4 x 2

2.3 Inequalities with modulus

Example 16. Solve the inequality

x2 − 5x + 4
≤1
x2 − 4

x2 − 5x + 4 x2 − 5x + 4
Solution. For this inequality to hold we require that both 2
≤ 1 and ≥ −1. We can
x −4 x2 − 4
solve these separately.

x2 − 5x + 4
For ≤ 1 we have:
x2 − 4
x2 − 5x + 4
≤1
x2 − 4
x2 − 5x + 4 − x2 + 4
≤0
x2 − 4
−5x + 8
≤ 0.
(x − 2)(x + 2)
8
Using the method of intervals we get x > 2 or −2 < x ≤ .
5

x2 − 5x + 4
For ≥ −1 we have:
x2 − 4
x2 − 5x + 4
≥ −1
x2 − 4
x2 − 5x + 4 + x2 − 4
≥0
x2 − 4
x(2x − 5)
≥ 0.
(x − 2)(x + 2)
5
Using the method of intervals gives x < −2 or 0 ≤ x < 2 or x ≥ .
2

8 5
For both sets of these inequalities to be satisfied we require either 0 ≤ x ≤ or x ≥ .
5 2

This inequality can be well understood using a sketch. The required values are the values of x for which the
red line is between the blue lines.

13
 y

(1.6, 1)
y=1
x
y = −1
(0, −1) (2.5, −1)

Example 17. Solve the inequality

|2x − 5| < |x − 3| .

Solution. A quick sketch shows that the values of x lie between points A and B.

y = |2x − 5|
y = |x − 3|
A

B
x
5 (3, 0)
( , 0)
2

We can find the x-coordinates of A and B by finding the points of intersection of the appropriate branches.

14
To find A we solve 5 − 2x = 3 − x, which gives x = 2, and to find B we solve 5 − 2x = x − 3 which gives
8 8
x = . Considering the relative position of the two graphs shows that x lies in the interval {x : 2 < x < }.
3 3

Example 18. Solve the inequality

|x − 3|
≥ 2.
x2 − 5x + 6

Solution. First of all, we will note that x ̸= 2 and x ̸= 3, as the denominator becomes zero. Further, recall
that
(
x − 3 if x ≥ 3
|x − 3| =
−x + 3 if x < 3

(x − 3) (x − 3) 1
Case 1: Assume x > 3. Then the inequality becomes ≥2⇔ ≥2⇒ ≥ 2.
x2 − 5x + 6 (x − 2)(x − 3) x−2

As x > 3, there are no values of x that satisfy the inequality, as the LHS will be ≤ 1.

−(x − 3) −(x − 3) 1
Case 2: Assume x < 3. Then the inequality becomes ≥2⇔ ≥2⇒ ≤ −2.
x2 − 5x + 6 (x − 2)(x − 3) x−2

1 2x − 3
Adding 2 to both sides: +2 ≤ 0 ⇔ ≤ 0. In the last fraction the numerator and the denominator
x−2 x−2
must have different signs. This is only possible if 1.5 ≤ x < 2.

Answer: 1.5 ≤ x < 2.

Problem 14. (10 marks) Solve the inequality

x2 − 28
a) < 1;
x2 − 6x + 8
b) |x − 2| < |x − 5|;
c) x2 < |x − 3| + |x − 2| + |x + 1|;
x2 − |x| − 12
d) ≥ 2x;
x−3
e) |x − 1| + |2 − x| > 3 + x.

2.4 Systems of inequalities (simultaneous inequalities)

(
|x2 − 4x| < 5,
Example 19.
|x + 1| < 3.

Solution: We need to solve each inequality separately and then find the intervals where both inequalities are
satisfied. In other words, it is the intersection of the sets of solutions.

15
 ( ( (
2 x2 − 4x < 5, x2 − 4x − 5 < 0, (x + 1)(x − 5) < 0,
|x − 4x| < 5 ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ x ∈ (−1, 5)
x2 − 4x > −5. x2 − 4x + 5 > 0. (x − 2)2 + 1 > 0.

( (
x + 1 < 3, x < 2,
|x + 1| < 3 ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ x ∈ (−4, 2)
x + 1 > −3. x > −4.

Finding the intersection of the two sets gives us the answer: x ∈ (−1, 5) ∩ (−4, 2) = (−1, 2)

Answer: x ∈ (−1, 2).


|2x − 1| < 5,
Example 20. x + 3
 ≤ 0.
x−2

Solution:
( (
2x − 1 < 5 x<3
|2x − 1| < 5 ⇔ ⇔ ⇔ x ∈ (−2, 3)
2x − 1 > −5 x > −2

(
x+3≥0
x−2<0

x+3 
≤0⇒( ⇒ x ∈ [−3, 2)
x−2  x+3≤0

x−2>0

Combining the two solutions: x ∈ (−2, 3) ∩ [−3, 2) = (−2, 2)

Answer: x ∈ (−2, 2).

Problem 15 (8 marks).

Solve the systems of inequalities:

(√
4x − 7 < x,
a) √ √
x + 5 + 5 − x > 4.
(
|x2 + 5x| < 6,
b)
|x + 1| ≤ 1.

−2x < 5,

x − 3 < 1 − x ,


c) x 2
2(1 − ) < 3,
4



|x − 3| ≤ 2.



|x − 3| ≤ 2x − 3,
d) 3x − 5
 < 2.
x−1

16
 r
4 x2 − 6x − 16 2
Problem 16 (2 marks). Find the domain of the function y = +
x2 − 12x + 11 x2 − 49

2.5 Proving inequalities

Problem 17 (8 marks). Let a and b be positive numbers with a ≤ b. As you know, their arithmetic mean
a+b
is given by A = .
2

√
a) The geometric mean of a and b is G = ab. Show that G ≤ A.
 
1 1 1 1
b) The harmonic mean of a and b is the number H defined by = + . Show that a ≤ H ≤ G.
H 2 a b
r
a2 + b2
c) The quadratic mean (or root mean square) of a and b is S2 = . Show that A ≤ S2 ≤ b.
2
d) Under which circumstances does each of these inequalities saturate (become equalities)?

Problem 18 (2 marks).

Show that for all positive numbers x, y and z,

xy + yz + zx ≤ x2 + y 2 + z 2 .

Prove that the inequality saturates if and only if x = y = z.

17