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k a May Highlights and 2025 AoPS Online Class Information
jlacosta   0
May 1, 2025
May is an exciting month! National MATHCOUNTS is the second week of May in Washington D.C. and our Founder, Richard Rusczyk will be presenting a seminar, Preparing Strong Math Students for College and Careers, on May 11th.

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[*]May 21st, 4:00pm PT/7:00pm ET, Mathcamp 2025 Qualifying Quiz Part 2 Math Jam, Problems 5 and 6, Canada/USA Mathcamp staff will discuss solutions to Problems 5 and 6 of the 2025 Mathcamp Qualifying Quiz![/list]
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0 replies
jlacosta
May 1, 2025
0 replies
k i Adding contests to the Contest Collections
dcouchman   1
N Apr 5, 2023 by v_Enhance
Want to help AoPS remain a valuable Olympiad resource? Help us add contests to AoPS's Contest Collections.

Find instructions and a list of contests to add here: https://artofproblemsolving.com/community/c40244h1064480_contests_to_add
1 reply
dcouchman
Sep 9, 2019
v_Enhance
Apr 5, 2023
k i Zero tolerance
ZetaX   49
N May 4, 2019 by NoDealsHere
Source: Use your common sense! (enough is enough)
Some users don't want to learn, some other simply ignore advises.
But please follow the following guideline:


To make it short: ALWAYS USE YOUR COMMON SENSE IF POSTING!
If you don't have common sense, don't post.


More specifically:

For new threads:


a) Good, meaningful title:
The title has to say what the problem is about in best way possible.
If that title occured already, it's definitely bad. And contest names aren't good either.
That's in fact a requirement for being able to search old problems.

Examples:
Bad titles:
- "Hard"/"Medium"/"Easy" (if you find it so cool how hard/easy it is, tell it in the post and use a title that tells us the problem)
- "Number Theory" (hey guy, guess why this forum's named that way¿ and is it the only such problem on earth¿)
- "Fibonacci" (there are millions of Fibonacci problems out there, all posted and named the same...)
- "Chinese TST 2003" (does this say anything about the problem¿)
Good titles:
- "On divisors of a³+2b³+4c³-6abc"
- "Number of solutions to x²+y²=6z²"
- "Fibonacci numbers are never squares"


b) Use search function:
Before posting a "new" problem spend at least two, better five, minutes to look if this problem was posted before. If it was, don't repost it. If you have anything important to say on topic, post it in one of the older threads.
If the thread is locked cause of this, use search function.

Update (by Amir Hossein). The best way to search for two keywords in AoPS is to input
[code]+"first keyword" +"second keyword"[/code]
so that any post containing both strings "first word" and "second form".


c) Good problem statement:
Some recent really bad post was:
[quote]$lim_{n\to 1}^{+\infty}\frac{1}{n}-lnn$[/quote]
It contains no question and no answer.
If you do this, too, you are on the best way to get your thread deleted. Write everything clearly, define where your variables come from (and define the "natural" numbers if used). Additionally read your post at least twice before submitting. After you sent it, read it again and use the Edit-Button if necessary to correct errors.


For answers to already existing threads:


d) Of any interest and with content:
Don't post things that are more trivial than completely obvious. For example, if the question is to solve $x^{3}+y^{3}=z^{3}$, do not answer with "$x=y=z=0$ is a solution" only. Either you post any kind of proof or at least something unexpected (like "$x=1337, y=481, z=42$ is the smallest solution). Someone that does not see that $x=y=z=0$ is a solution of the above without your post is completely wrong here, this is an IMO-level forum.
Similar, posting "I have solved this problem" but not posting anything else is not welcome; it even looks that you just want to show off what a genius you are.

e) Well written and checked answers:
Like c) for new threads, check your solutions at least twice for mistakes. And after sending, read it again and use the Edit-Button if necessary to correct errors.



To repeat it: ALWAYS USE YOUR COMMON SENSE IF POSTING!


Everything definitely out of range of common sense will be locked or deleted (exept for new users having less than about 42 posts, they are newbies and need/get some time to learn).

The above rules will be applied from next monday (5. march of 2007).
Feel free to discuss on this here.
49 replies
ZetaX
Feb 27, 2007
NoDealsHere
May 4, 2019
3-var inequality
sqing   0
3 minutes ago
Source: Own
Let $ a, b, c> 0, a^3+b^3+c^3\geq6abc $. Prove that
$$ \frac{ a}{b}+\frac{b}{c}+\frac{c}{a}\geq \sqrt[3]{49}$$
0 replies
1 viewing
sqing
3 minutes ago
0 replies
2-var inequality
sqing   0
19 minutes ago
Source: Own
Let $ a,b>0,  ab^2+a+2b\geq4  $. Prove that$$  \frac{a}{2a+b^2}+\frac{2}{a+2}\leq 1$$
0 replies
+1 w
sqing
19 minutes ago
0 replies
J, O, M collinear
quacksaysduck   11
N 21 minutes ago by alexanderchew
Source: JOM 2025 P1
Let $ABC$ be a triangle with $AB<AC$ and with its incircle touching the sides $AB$ and $BC$ at $M$ and $J$ respectively. A point $D$ lies on the extension of $AB$ beyond $B$ such that $AD=AC$. Let $O$ be the midpoint of $CD$. Prove that the points $J$, $O$, $M$ are collinear.

(Proposed by Tan Rui Xuen)
11 replies
quacksaysduck
Jan 26, 2025
alexanderchew
21 minutes ago
Beijing High School Mathematics Competition 2025 Q1
SunnyEvan   0
24 minutes ago
Let $ a,b,c,d \in R^+ $. Prove that:
$$ \frac{1}{a^4+b^4+c^4+abcd}+\frac{1}{b^4+c^4+d^4+abcd}+\frac{1}{c^4+d^4+a^4+abcd}+\frac{1}{d^4+a^4+b^4+abcd} \leq \frac{1}{abcd} $$
0 replies
SunnyEvan
24 minutes ago
0 replies
greatest volume
hzbrl   3
N 28 minutes ago by hzbrl
Source: purple comet
A large sphere with radius 7 contains three smaller balls each with radius 3 . The three balls are each externally tangent to the other two balls and internally tangent to the large sphere. There are four right circular cones that can be inscribed in the large sphere in such a way that the bases of the cones are tangent to all three balls. Of these four cones, the one with the greatest volume has volume $n \pi$. Find $n$.
3 replies
hzbrl
May 8, 2025
hzbrl
28 minutes ago
3 var inequality
SunnyEvan   4
N 29 minutes ago by SunnyEvan
Let $ a,b,c \in R $ ,such that $ a^2+b^2+c^2=4(ab+bc+ca)$Prove that :$$ \frac{7-2\sqrt{14}}{48} \leq \frac{a^3b+b^3c+c^3a}{(a^2+b^2+c^2)^2} \leq \frac{7+2\sqrt{14}}{48} $$
4 replies
SunnyEvan
Yesterday at 1:05 PM
SunnyEvan
29 minutes ago
an exponential inequality with two variables
teresafang   7
N 30 minutes ago by teresafang
x and y are positive real numbers.prove that [(x^y)/y]^(1/2)+[(y^x)/x]^(1/2)>=2.
sorry.I’m not good at English.Also I don’t know how to use Letax.
7 replies
teresafang
May 4, 2025
teresafang
30 minutes ago
3-var inequality
sqing   1
N an hour ago by sqing
Source: Own
Let $ a, b, c\geq 0,a^2+b^2+c^2=2 $. Prove that
$$ab+bc+ca+a+b+c- 3abc \leq 3$$$$ab+bc+ca-a-b-c-\frac{21}{20} abc \leq -1$$$$ab+bc+ca+a+b+c- \frac{5}{2}abc \leq \frac{2(9+2\sqrt 6)}{9}$$Let $a, b, c$ be real numbers such that $a^2+b^2+c^2=2$. Prove that
$$ ab+bc+ca-2abc\leq \frac{2(9+2\sqrt 6)}{9}$$
1 reply
sqing
an hour ago
sqing
an hour ago
3-var inequality
ys-lg   0
an hour ago
$x,y,z>0.$ Show that $x^2+y^2+z^2+xyz+2\ge 2(xy+yz+zx).$
0 replies
ys-lg
an hour ago
0 replies
Number theory
EeEeRUT   4
N an hour ago by EeEeRUT
Source: Thailand MO 2025 P10
Let $n$ be a positive integer. Show that there exist a polynomial $P(x)$ with integer coefficient that satisfy the following
[list]
[*]Degree of $P(x)$ is at most $2^n - n -1$
[*]$|P(k)| = (k-1)!(2^n-k)!$ for each $k \in \{1,2,3,\dots,2^n\}$
[/list]
4 replies
EeEeRUT
May 14, 2025
EeEeRUT
an hour ago
Central sequences
EeEeRUT   12
N 2 hours ago by Ihatecombin
Source: EGMO 2025 P2
An infinite increasing sequence $a_1 < a_2 < a_3 < \cdots$ of positive integers is called central if for every positive integer $n$ , the arithmetic mean of the first $a_n$ terms of the sequence is equal to $a_n$.

Show that there exists an infinite sequence $b_1, b_2, b_3, \dots$ of positive integers such that for every central sequence $a_1, a_2, a_3, \dots, $ there are infinitely many positive integers $n$ with $a_n = b_n$.
12 replies
EeEeRUT
Apr 16, 2025
Ihatecombin
2 hours ago
Functional Equation from IMO
prtoi   3
N 2 hours ago by RevolveWithMe101
Source: IMO
Question: $f(2a)+2f(b)=f(f(a+b))$
Solve for f:Z-->Z
My solution:
At a=0, $f(0)+2f(b)=f(f(b))$
Take t=f(b) to get $f(0)+2t=f(t)$
Therefore, f(x)=2x+n where n=f(0)
Could someone please clarify if this is right or wrong?
3 replies
prtoi
Yesterday at 8:07 PM
RevolveWithMe101
2 hours ago
inequality with roots
luci1337   0
2 hours ago
Source: an exam in vietnam
let $a,b,c\geq0: a+b+c=1$
prove that $\Sigma\sqrt{a+(b-c)^2}\geq\sqrt{3}$
0 replies
luci1337
2 hours ago
0 replies
G, L, H are collinear
Ink68   3
N 2 hours ago by luci1337
Given an acute, non-isosceles triangle $ABC$. $B, C$ lie on a moving circle $(K)$. $(K)$ intersects $CA$ at $E$ and $BA$ at $F$. $BE, CF$ intersect at $G$. $KG, BC$ intersect at $D$. $L$ is the perpendicular image of $D$ with respect to $EF$. Prove that $G, L$ and the orthocenter $H$ are collinear.
3 replies
Ink68
4 hours ago
luci1337
2 hours ago
Half concave and half convex theorem
zhaobin   18
N Aug 11, 2011 by zdyzhj
Source: zhaobin
Hey guys,here is my new idea.If it is right.it may be easy.but I think it will be nice,useful and great. :)
I hope somebody can intreast in my idea,thanks ;) .And I wonder if others think it before :)
theorem1 $x_1,x_2,\cdots,x_n$ are n real numbers,such that
$(i),x_1 \le x_2 \le \cdots \le x_n$
$(ii), x_1 , x_2 , \cdots , x_n \in \left[ a ,b \right]$
$(iii)x_1+x_2+\cdots+x_n=C$ (C is contant)
and $f$ is a function on $\left[a,b\right]$ ,if $f$ convave on $\left[ a,c \right]$ and convex on $\left[c,b\right]$
LET $F=f(x_1)+f(x_2)+\cdots+f(x_n)$
then:$F$ is minimal for $x_1=x_2=\cdots=x_{k-1}=a,x_{k+1}=\cdots=x_n$ ($k=1,2\cdots,n$)
and $F$ is maximal for $x_1=x_2=\cdots=x_{k-1},x_{k+1}=\cdots=x_n=b$($k=1,2\cdots,n$)
Proof:just for the minimal(maximal is simalar).by induction.
If there is no ${x_1,x_2,\cdots,x_n}$ or just $x_1 \in \left[a,c\right]$,then the theorem is certainly true.
this is because $x_2,x_3,\cdots,x_n \in \left[c,b\right]$ so that $f(x_1)+f(x_2)+\cdots+f(x_n) \ge f(x_1)+(n-1)f(\frac{x_2,x_3,\cdots,x_n}{n-1})$
if there have $x_1,x_2,\cdots,x_i \in \left[a,c\right]$
case(i) $x_1+x_2+\cdots+x_i-(i-1)a <c$,we can get
$f(x_1)+f(x_2)+\cdots+f(x_i) \ge (i-1)f(a)+f(x_1+x_2+\cdots+x_i-(i-1)a)$
case(ii) assume $m,(1 \le m \le i)$ be the minimum interger such that $x_1+x_2+\cdots+x_m-(m-1)a \ge c$
then we obtian
$f(x_1)+f(x_2)+\cdots+f(x_m) \ge (m-1)f(a)+f(x_1+x_2+\cdots+x_{m-1}-(m-2)a)+f(x_m) \ge (m-1)f(a)+f(x_1+x_2+\cdots+x_{m-1}+x_m-c-(m-2)a)+f(c)$
we reduce it to be $i-1$ case.
so the theorem is proven.
theorem1'$x_1,x_2,\cdots,x_n$ are n real numbers,such that
$(i),x_1 \le x_2 \le \cdots \le x_n$
$(ii), x_1 , x_2 , \cdots , x_n \in \left[a,b\right]$
$(iii)x_1+x_2+\cdots+x_n=C$ (C is contant)
and $f$ is a function on $\left[a,b\right]$ ,if $f$ convex on $\left[a,c\right]$ and concave on $\left[c,b\right]$
LET $F=f(x_1)+f(x_2)+\cdots+f(x_n)$
then:$F$ is minimal for $x_1=x_2=\cdots=x_{k-1},x_{k+1}=\cdots=x_n=b$ ($k=1,2\cdots,n$)
and $F$ is maximal for $x_1=x_2=\cdots=x_{k-1}=a,x_{k+1}=\cdots=x_n$($k=1,2\cdots,n$)
proof is similar to theorem1.
Application
1.http://www.mathlinks.ro/Forum/viewtopic.php?highlight=1%2B%5C%5Ccos&t=59649
Let ABC be an acute-angled triangle,Prove:
$\sum \frac{\cos^2{A}}{\cos{A}+1}\ge\frac{1}{2}$
proof:just let ${f(x)=\cos^2{x}}{\cos{x}+1}$ you will find $f$ satisfy the condtion with theorem1',
so we just need to prove :
$\frac{\cos^2{A}}{\cos{A}+1}+\frac{\cos^2{B}}{\cos{B}+1}\ge\frac{1}{2}(A+B=\frac{\pi}{2})$
or $\sum \frac{\cos^2{A}}{\cos{A}+1}\ge\frac{1}{2}$($A=B$)

2..http://www.mathlinks.ro/Forum/viewtopic.php?t=64122
$a,b,c \ge 0$
$\sqrt{1+\frac{48a}{b+c}}+\sqrt{1+\frac{48b}{c+a}}+\sqrt{1+\frac{48c}{a+b}} \ge 15$
proof:let $x=\frac{a}{a+b+c}$ and y,z similar
notice $\sqrt{1+\frac{48a}{b+c}}=\sqrt{\frac{48}{1-x}-47}$
and let $f(t)=\sqrt{\frac{48}{1-t}-47}$you will find $f$ satisfy the condtion with theorem1,
wlog $x \le y \le z$ then we should only to prove
$f(y)+f(z) \ge 15$($y+z=1$) or $f(x)+f(y)+f(z) \ge 15$($y=z$)
theorem2 $x_1,x_2,\cdots,x_n$ are n real numbers,such that
$(i),x_1 \le x_2 \le \cdots \le x_n$
$(ii), x_1 , x_2 , \cdots , x_n \in \left( -\infty ,+\infty \right)$
$(iii)x_1+x_2+\cdots+x_n=C$ (C is contant)
and $f$ is a function on $\left( -\infty ,+\infty \right)$ ,if $f$ convave on $\left(-\infty,c \right]$ and convex on $\left[c,+\infty \right)$
LET $F=f(x_1)+f(x_2)+\cdots+f(x_n)$
then:$F$ is minimal for $x_{2}=x_3=\cdots =x_n$
and $F$ is maximal for $x_1=x_2=\cdots =x_{n-1}$
Proof:just for the minimal(maximal is simalar).
assume $x_1,x_2,\cdots,x_i \in \left(-\infty,c \right]$
because $f$ convave on $\left(-\infty,c \right]$
then we get $f(x_1)+f(x_2)+\cdots+f(x_i) \ge (i-1)f(c)+f(x_1+x_2+\cdots+x_i-(i-1)c)$
and $(i-1)f(c)+f(x_{i+1})+f(x_{i+2})+\cdots+f(x_{n}) \ge (n-1)f(\frac{(i-1)c+x_{i+1}+\cdots+x_n}{n-1})$
so $f(x_1)+f(x_2)+\cdots+f(x_n) \ge (n-1)f(\frac{(i-1)c+x_{i+1}+\cdots+x_n}{n-1})+f(x_1+x_2+\cdots+x_i-(i-1)c)$
so the theorem2 is proved.
theorem2' $x_1,x_2,\cdots,x_n$ are n real numbers,such that
$(i),x_1 \le x_2 \le \cdots \le x_n$
$(ii), x_1 , x_2 , \cdots , x_n \in \left( -\infty ,+\infty \right)$
$(iii)x_1+x_2+\cdots+x_n=C$ (C is contant)
and $f$ is a function on $\left( -\infty ,+\infty \right)$ ,if $f$ convex on $\left(-\infty,c \right]$ and concave on $\left[c,+\infty \right)$
LET $F=f(x_1)+f(x_2)+\cdots+f(x_n)$
then:$F$ is minimal for $x_{1}=x_3=\cdots =x_{n-1}$
and $F$ is maximal for $x_2=x_2=\cdots =x_{n}$

Application
http://www.mathlinks.ro/Forum/viewtopic.php?t=32031
http://www.mathlinks.ro/Forum/viewtopic.php?t=64793
$x,y,z \ge 0$
find the minimum of $\frac{1}{(1+x)^k}+\frac{1}{(1+y)^k}+\frac{1}{(1+z)^k}$
proof:let $f(t)=\frac 1{(1+e^t)^k}$ then we calculate that
$f\"(t)=\frac{e^x(k(k+1)e^x-k)}{(1+e^x)^{k+2}}$
which impies it can use theorem2 .
Wlog $x \le y \le z$
by theorem2 I think we should only consider the case $y=z$
I think it can also work when find the maximum of $\frac{1}{(1+x)^k}+\frac{1}{(1+y)^k}+\frac{1}{(1+z)^k}$.


And I think there may be another more applications,If you find,please write it here,thanks :) ,and If there is something wrong in my post please point it out for me.thanks :)and welcome any advice.
(and I find the theorem2 is a little similar to VASC's Right-Convex Function Theorem )
18 replies
zhaobin
Dec 8, 2005
zdyzhj
Aug 11, 2011
Half concave and half convex theorem
G H J
Source: zhaobin
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
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zhaobin
2382 posts
#1 • 20 Y
Y by mahanmath, jatin, alibez, zabihpourmahdi, fractals, Grotex, daisyxixi, adityaguharoy, Adventure10, Mango247, and 10 other users
Hey guys,here is my new idea.If it is right.it may be easy.but I think it will be nice,useful and great. :)
I hope somebody can intreast in my idea,thanks ;) .And I wonder if others think it before :)
theorem1 $x_1,x_2,\cdots,x_n$ are n real numbers,such that
$(i),x_1 \le x_2 \le \cdots \le x_n$
$(ii), x_1 , x_2 , \cdots , x_n \in \left[ a ,b \right]$
$(iii)x_1+x_2+\cdots+x_n=C$ (C is contant)
and $f$ is a function on $\left[a,b\right]$ ,if $f$ convave on $\left[ a,c \right]$ and convex on $\left[c,b\right]$
LET $F=f(x_1)+f(x_2)+\cdots+f(x_n)$
then:$F$ is minimal for $x_1=x_2=\cdots=x_{k-1}=a,x_{k+1}=\cdots=x_n$ ($k=1,2\cdots,n$)
and $F$ is maximal for $x_1=x_2=\cdots=x_{k-1},x_{k+1}=\cdots=x_n=b$($k=1,2\cdots,n$)
Proof:just for the minimal(maximal is simalar).by induction.
If there is no ${x_1,x_2,\cdots,x_n}$ or just $x_1 \in \left[a,c\right]$,then the theorem is certainly true.
this is because $x_2,x_3,\cdots,x_n \in \left[c,b\right]$ so that $f(x_1)+f(x_2)+\cdots+f(x_n) \ge f(x_1)+(n-1)f(\frac{x_2,x_3,\cdots,x_n}{n-1})$
if there have $x_1,x_2,\cdots,x_i \in \left[a,c\right]$
case(i) $x_1+x_2+\cdots+x_i-(i-1)a <c$,we can get
$f(x_1)+f(x_2)+\cdots+f(x_i) \ge (i-1)f(a)+f(x_1+x_2+\cdots+x_i-(i-1)a)$
case(ii) assume $m,(1 \le m \le i)$ be the minimum interger such that $x_1+x_2+\cdots+x_m-(m-1)a \ge c$
then we obtian
$f(x_1)+f(x_2)+\cdots+f(x_m) \ge (m-1)f(a)+f(x_1+x_2+\cdots+x_{m-1}-(m-2)a)+f(x_m) \ge (m-1)f(a)+f(x_1+x_2+\cdots+x_{m-1}+x_m-c-(m-2)a)+f(c)$
we reduce it to be $i-1$ case.
so the theorem is proven.
theorem1'$x_1,x_2,\cdots,x_n$ are n real numbers,such that
$(i),x_1 \le x_2 \le \cdots \le x_n$
$(ii), x_1 , x_2 , \cdots , x_n \in \left[a,b\right]$
$(iii)x_1+x_2+\cdots+x_n=C$ (C is contant)
and $f$ is a function on $\left[a,b\right]$ ,if $f$ convex on $\left[a,c\right]$ and concave on $\left[c,b\right]$
LET $F=f(x_1)+f(x_2)+\cdots+f(x_n)$
then:$F$ is minimal for $x_1=x_2=\cdots=x_{k-1},x_{k+1}=\cdots=x_n=b$ ($k=1,2\cdots,n$)
and $F$ is maximal for $x_1=x_2=\cdots=x_{k-1}=a,x_{k+1}=\cdots=x_n$($k=1,2\cdots,n$)
proof is similar to theorem1.
Application
1.http://www.mathlinks.ro/Forum/viewtopic.php?highlight=1%2B%5C%5Ccos&t=59649
Let ABC be an acute-angled triangle,Prove:
$\sum \frac{\cos^2{A}}{\cos{A}+1}\ge\frac{1}{2}$
proof:just let ${f(x)=\cos^2{x}}{\cos{x}+1}$ you will find $f$ satisfy the condtion with theorem1',
so we just need to prove :
$\frac{\cos^2{A}}{\cos{A}+1}+\frac{\cos^2{B}}{\cos{B}+1}\ge\frac{1}{2}(A+B=\frac{\pi}{2})$
or $\sum \frac{\cos^2{A}}{\cos{A}+1}\ge\frac{1}{2}$($A=B$)

2..http://www.mathlinks.ro/Forum/viewtopic.php?t=64122
$a,b,c \ge 0$
$\sqrt{1+\frac{48a}{b+c}}+\sqrt{1+\frac{48b}{c+a}}+\sqrt{1+\frac{48c}{a+b}} \ge 15$
proof:let $x=\frac{a}{a+b+c}$ and y,z similar
notice $\sqrt{1+\frac{48a}{b+c}}=\sqrt{\frac{48}{1-x}-47}$
and let $f(t)=\sqrt{\frac{48}{1-t}-47}$you will find $f$ satisfy the condtion with theorem1,
wlog $x \le y \le z$ then we should only to prove
$f(y)+f(z) \ge 15$($y+z=1$) or $f(x)+f(y)+f(z) \ge 15$($y=z$)
theorem2 $x_1,x_2,\cdots,x_n$ are n real numbers,such that
$(i),x_1 \le x_2 \le \cdots \le x_n$
$(ii), x_1 , x_2 , \cdots , x_n \in \left( -\infty ,+\infty \right)$
$(iii)x_1+x_2+\cdots+x_n=C$ (C is contant)
and $f$ is a function on $\left( -\infty ,+\infty \right)$ ,if $f$ convave on $\left(-\infty,c \right]$ and convex on $\left[c,+\infty \right)$
LET $F=f(x_1)+f(x_2)+\cdots+f(x_n)$
then:$F$ is minimal for $x_{2}=x_3=\cdots =x_n$
and $F$ is maximal for $x_1=x_2=\cdots =x_{n-1}$
Proof:just for the minimal(maximal is simalar).
assume $x_1,x_2,\cdots,x_i \in \left(-\infty,c \right]$
because $f$ convave on $\left(-\infty,c \right]$
then we get $f(x_1)+f(x_2)+\cdots+f(x_i) \ge (i-1)f(c)+f(x_1+x_2+\cdots+x_i-(i-1)c)$
and $(i-1)f(c)+f(x_{i+1})+f(x_{i+2})+\cdots+f(x_{n}) \ge (n-1)f(\frac{(i-1)c+x_{i+1}+\cdots+x_n}{n-1})$
so $f(x_1)+f(x_2)+\cdots+f(x_n) \ge (n-1)f(\frac{(i-1)c+x_{i+1}+\cdots+x_n}{n-1})+f(x_1+x_2+\cdots+x_i-(i-1)c)$
so the theorem2 is proved.
theorem2' $x_1,x_2,\cdots,x_n$ are n real numbers,such that
$(i),x_1 \le x_2 \le \cdots \le x_n$
$(ii), x_1 , x_2 , \cdots , x_n \in \left( -\infty ,+\infty \right)$
$(iii)x_1+x_2+\cdots+x_n=C$ (C is contant)
and $f$ is a function on $\left( -\infty ,+\infty \right)$ ,if $f$ convex on $\left(-\infty,c \right]$ and concave on $\left[c,+\infty \right)$
LET $F=f(x_1)+f(x_2)+\cdots+f(x_n)$
then:$F$ is minimal for $x_{1}=x_3=\cdots =x_{n-1}$
and $F$ is maximal for $x_2=x_2=\cdots =x_{n}$

Application
http://www.mathlinks.ro/Forum/viewtopic.php?t=32031
http://www.mathlinks.ro/Forum/viewtopic.php?t=64793
$x,y,z \ge 0$
find the minimum of $\frac{1}{(1+x)^k}+\frac{1}{(1+y)^k}+\frac{1}{(1+z)^k}$
proof:let $f(t)=\frac 1{(1+e^t)^k}$ then we calculate that
$f\"(t)=\frac{e^x(k(k+1)e^x-k)}{(1+e^x)^{k+2}}$
which impies it can use theorem2 .
Wlog $x \le y \le z$
by theorem2 I think we should only consider the case $y=z$
I think it can also work when find the maximum of $\frac{1}{(1+x)^k}+\frac{1}{(1+y)^k}+\frac{1}{(1+z)^k}$.


And I think there may be another more applications,If you find,please write it here,thanks :) ,and If there is something wrong in my post please point it out for me.thanks :)and welcome any advice.
(and I find the theorem2 is a little similar to VASC's Right-Convex Function Theorem )
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Vasc
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#2 • 8 Y
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I agree on Theorem 1 and 1'.
With regard to Theorem 2 and 2', there is a formulation trouble (problem), because it is possible that $F$ is not minimal/maximal.
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zhaobin
2382 posts
#3 • 6 Y
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thanks very much,VASC.
can we add a condition that $f(x)$ upbound or lowbound
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Vasc
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#4 • 6 Y
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I think we can use a more general formulation. For example,
Theorem2. ...
a) To obtain the minimal value or the greatest lower bound of $F$, it suffices to consider $x_2=x_3=...=x_n$.
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zhaobin
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#5 • 5 Y
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Vasc wrote:
I think we can use a more general formulation. For example,
Theorem2. ...
a) To obtain the minimal value or the greatest lower bound of $F$, it suffices to consider $x_2=x_3=...=x_n$.
yes,you are right.It will be nicer :lol:
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#6 • 7 Y
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I think we can extend theorems 1-1' as follows:

Theorem 1. Let $a,b$ be fixed reals ($a<b$), and let $x_1,x_2,...,x_n$ be real numbers such that
$a\leq x_1\leq x_2\leq... \leq x_n \leq b$ and $x_1+x_2+...+x_n=constant$.
Let $f$ be a function either continuous on $[a,b]$, or continuous on $[a,b)$ and with $\lim_{x\rightarrow b}{f(x)}=\infty$. Moreover,
$f$ is concave on $[a,c]$ and convex on $[c,b)$, where $c\in(a,b)$.
Then, the expression $F=f(x_1)+f(x_2)+...+f(x_n)$ is minimal for $x_1=...=x_{k-1}=a$ and $x_{k+1}=...=x_n>c$,
where $k\in(1,2,...,n)$.

Theorem 2. Let $a,b$ be fixed reals ($a<b$), and let $x_1,x_2,...,x_n$ be real numbers such that
$a\leq x_1\leq x_2\leq... \leq x_n \leq b$ and $x_1+x_2+...+x_n=constant$.
Let $f$ be a function either continuous on $[a,b]$, or continuous on $(a,b]$ and with $\lim_{x\rightarrow a}{f(x)}=-\infty$. Moreover,
$f$ is concave on $(a,c]$ and convex on $[c,b]$, where $c\in(a,b)$.
Then, the expression $F=f(x_1)+f(x_2)+...+f(x_n)$ is maximal for $x_1=...=x_{k-1}<c$ and $x_{k+1}=...=x_n=b$,
where $k\in(1,2,...,n)$.
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zhaobin
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#7 • 6 Y
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thanks.Vasc.
but I think the condition with continuous is not necessary.
because f concave on $[a,c]$ and convex on $[c,b)$ contain f continuous on $(a,c)$ and $(c,b)$
and more:if $f$ is not continuous on $a$ or $b$,the theorem is still true
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zhaobin
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#8 • 5 Y
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now I find two Applications of the theorem 1 or 1'.
$1$,find the minamum the $k>0$ such that for every $a,b,c \ge 0$
we have $\sqrt[k]{\frac a {b+c}}+\sqrt[k]{\frac b {c+a}}+\sqrt[k]{\frac c {a+b}} \ge 3(\frac 1 2)^k$
the answer is $\frac{\ln 3}{\ln 2}-1$
and I think it is a famous one,I haven't see a solution without my theorem before ;) .Now I think I can slove it,but also cost a lot of calclulations :( .
$2$,find the minamum the $k>0$ such that for every $a,b,c \ge 0,a+b+c=3$
we have$\sqrt[k] a +\sqrt[k] b +\sqrt[k] c \ge ab+bc+ca$
it is a generaltion of russian one.It have posted on the forum.As far as I know,no one give a solution.
also it cost a lot of calclulations :( .
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perfect_radio
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#9 • 4 Y
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zhaobin wrote:
Hey guys,here is my new idea.If it is right.it may be easy.but I think it will be nice,useful and great. :)
I hope somebody can intreast in my idea,thanks ;) .And I wonder if others think it before :)

I already knew these theorems from mathlinks (Mildorf). It also appears in his inequalities pdf.

An alternative proof would be by Karamata without induction.
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zhaobin
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#10 • 5 Y
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perfect_radio wrote:
zhaobin wrote:
Hey guys,here is my new idea.If it is right.it may be easy.but I think it will be nice,useful and great. :)
I hope somebody can intreast in my idea,thanks ;) .And I wonder if others think it before :)

I already knew these theorems from mathlinks (Mildorf). It also appears in his inequalities pdf.

An alternative proof would be by Karamata without induction.
sorry,if it is ture. :(
can you upload Mildorf's inequalities pdf?(I can't find it)
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perfect_radio
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#11 • 5 Y
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See here : http://web.mit.edu/~tmildorf/www/Inequalities.pdf . (Problem 21) It's more or less your theorem
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#12 • 5 Y
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ok.thanks, :)
and I come out the idea when I sloving the inequality:
$\sqrt{1+\frac{48a}{b+c}}+\sqrt{1+\frac{48b}{c+a}}+\sqrt{1+\frac{48c}{a+b}} \ge 15$
and
$\sum \frac{\cos^2{A}}{\cos{A}+1}\ge\frac{1}{2}$
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Ji Chen
827 posts
#13 • 4 Y
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zhaobin wrote:
If it is right, it may be easy.
theorem1 $x_{1},x_{2},\cdots,x_{n}$ are n real numbers,such that
$(i),x_{1}\le x_{2}\le \cdots \le x_{n}$
$(ii), x_{1}, x_{2}, \cdots , x_{n}\in \left[ a ,b \right]$
$(iii)x_{1}+x_{2}+\cdots+x_{n}=C$ (C is contant)
and $f$ is a function on $\left[a,b\right]$ ,if $f$ convave on $\left[ a,c \right]$ and convex on $\left[c,b\right]$
LET $F=f(x_{1})+f(x_{2})+\cdots+f(x_{n})$
then:$F$ is minimal for $x_{1}=x_{2}=\cdots=x_{k-1}=a,x_{k+1}=\cdots=x_{n}$ ($k=1,2\cdots,n$)
and $F$ is maximal for $x_{1}=x_{2}=\cdots=x_{k-1},x_{k+1}=\cdots=x_{n}=b$($k=1,2\cdots,n$)
This is not ture, for example,

Let $x,y,z$ be nonnegative numbers such that $x+y+z=5$.

$f(x)=5x^{4}-28x^{3}$, then $f''(x)=12x(5x-14)$.

$f(x)$ is convave on $\left[0,\frac{14}{5}\right]$ and convex on $\left[\frac{14}{5},5\right]$.

$f(0)+f(0)+f(5) =-375$,

$f(0)+f(\frac{5}{2})+f(\frac{5}{2})=-\frac{3875}{8}=-484.375$,

$f(\frac{5}{3})+f(\frac{5}{3})+f(\frac{5}{3}) =-\frac{7375}{27}=-273.148\cdots$,

but

$f(x)+f(y)+f(z) \geq f(0)+f(1)+f(4) =-535$.
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perfect_radio
2607 posts
#14 • 5 Y
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Apparently, the minimum is reached for $a = x_{1}= \ldots = x_{k}\leq x_{k+1}< c \leq x_{k+2}= \ldots = x_{n}$.
This post has been edited 2 times. Last edited by perfect_radio, Feb 5, 2007, 10:31 AM
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zhaobin
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#15 • 4 Y
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Ji Chen wrote:
zhaobin wrote:
If it is right, it may be easy.
theorem1 $x_{1},x_{2},\cdots,x_{n}$ are n real numbers,such that
$(i),x_{1}\le x_{2}\le \cdots \le x_{n}$
$(ii), x_{1}, x_{2}, \cdots , x_{n}\in \left[ a ,b \right]$
$(iii)x_{1}+x_{2}+\cdots+x_{n}=C$ (C is contant)
and $f$ is a function on $\left[a,b\right]$ ,if $f$ convave on $\left[ a,c \right]$ and convex on $\left[c,b\right]$
LET $F=f(x_{1})+f(x_{2})+\cdots+f(x_{n})$
then:$F$ is minimal for $x_{1}=x_{2}=\cdots=x_{k-1}=a,x_{k+1}=\cdots=x_{n}$ ($k=1,2\cdots,n$)
and $F$ is maximal for $x_{1}=x_{2}=\cdots=x_{k-1},x_{k+1}=\cdots=x_{n}=b$($k=1,2\cdots,n$)
This is not ture, for example,

Let $x,y,z$ be nonnegative numbers such that $x+y+z=5$.

$f(x)=5x^{4}-28x^{3}$, then $f''(x)=12x(5x-14)$.

$f(x)$ is convave on $\left[0,\frac{14}{5}\right]$ and convex on $\left[\frac{14}{5},5\right]$.

$f(0)+f(0)+f(5) =-375$,

$f(0)+f(\frac{5}{2})+f(\frac{5}{2})=-\frac{3875}{8}=-484.375$,

$f(\frac{5}{3})+f(\frac{5}{3})+f(\frac{5}{3}) =-\frac{7375}{27}=-273.148\cdots$,

but

$f(x)+f(y)+f(z) \geq f(0)+f(1)+f(4) =-535$.
Note that in the theorem I wrote the $x_{k}$ is not fixed...
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Ji Chen
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#16 • 3 Y
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zhaobin wrote:
Note that in the theorem I wrote the $x_{k}$ is not fixed...
Indeed, you are right. It's useful.
zhaobin wrote:
Application$a,b,c \ge 0$
$\sqrt{1+\frac{48a}{b+c}}+\sqrt{1+\frac{48b}{c+a}}+\sqrt{1+\frac{48c}{a+b}}\ge 15$
proof:let $x=\frac{a}{a+b+c}$ and y,z similar
notice $\sqrt{1+\frac{48a}{b+c}}=\sqrt{\frac{48}{1-x}-47}$
and let $f(t)=\sqrt{\frac{48}{1-t}-47}$you will find $f$ satisfy the condtion with theorem1,
wlog $x \le y \le z$ then we should only to prove
$f(y)+f(z) \ge 15$($y+z=1$) or $f(x)+f(y)+f(z) \ge 15$($y=z$)
a nice example
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kuing
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#17 • 4 Y
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very useful theorem.

Ding Qi...:o
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kuing
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#18 • 4 Y
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zhaobin wrote:
case(ii) assume $ m,(1 \le m \le i)$ be the minimum interger such that $ x_1 + x_2 + \cdots + x_m - (m - 1)a \ge c$
then we obtian
$ f(x_1) + f(x_2) + \cdots + f(x_m) \ge (m - 1)f(a) + f(x_1 + x_2 + \cdots + x_{m - 1} - (m - 2)a) + f(x_m) \ge (m - 1)f(a) + f(x_1 + x_2 + \cdots + x_{m - 1} + x_m - c - (m - 2)a) + f(c)$
we reduce it to be $ i - 1$ case.
so the theorem is proven.

I think
\[ f(x_1) + f(x_2) + \cdots + f(x_m) \ge (m - 2)f(a) + f(x_1 + x_2 + \cdots + x_{m - 1} - (m - 2)a) + f(x_m) \ge (m - 2)f(a) + f(x_1 + x_2 + \cdots + x_{m - 1} + x_m - c - (m - 2)a) + f(c)\]

...
:huh:
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zdyzhj
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#19 • 3 Y
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for the first step ,how can we deduce that $ F $is minimal for ${{x}_{1}}={{x}_{2}}=\cdots {{x}_{k-1}}=a,{{x}_{k+1}}=\cdots {{x}_{n}}$ as well as the following proof. who can give a explanation about the condtion for the equality.
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