Difference between revisions of "1960 IMO Problems/Problem 2"

(change category)
(fixed error in solution (x less than -1/2 makes the expression nonreal))
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==Solution==
 
==Solution==
 
Set <math>x = -\frac{1}{2} + \frac{a^2}{2}</math>, where <math>a\ge0</math>.
 
Set <math>x = -\frac{1}{2} + \frac{a^2}{2}</math>, where <math>a\ge0</math>.
<math>\frac{4(-\frac{1}{2}+\frac{a^2}{2})^2}{(1-\sqrt{1+2(-\frac{1}{2}+\frac{a^2}{2})})^2}<2x+9</math>
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<math>\frac{4\left(-\frac{1}{2}+\frac{a^2}{2}\right)^2}{\left(1-\sqrt{1+2\left(-\frac{1}{2}+\frac{a^2}{2}\right)}\right)^2}<2\left(-\frac{1}{2}+\frac{a^2}{2}\right)+9</math>
  
 
After simplifying, we get
 
After simplifying, we get
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<math>a^2+2a+1<a^2+8</math>
 
<math>a^2+2a+1<a^2+8</math>
  
Which gives <math>a<\frac{7}{2}</math> and hence <math>x<\frac{45}{8}</math>.
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Which gives <math>a<\frac{7}{2}</math> and hence <math>-\frac{1}{2} \le x<\frac{45}{8}</math>.
  
 
But <math>x=0</math> makes the RHS indeterminate.
 
But <math>x=0</math> makes the RHS indeterminate.
  
So, answer: <math>x<\frac{45}{8}</math>, except <math>x=0</math>.
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So, answer: <math>-\frac{1}{2} \le x<\frac{45}{8}</math>, except <math>x=0</math>.
  
  

Revision as of 16:12, 28 June 2008

Problem

For what values of the variable $x$ does the following inequality hold:

\[\dfrac{4x^2}{(1 - \sqrt {2x + 1})^2} < 2x + 9 \ ?\]

Solution

Set $x = -\frac{1}{2} + \frac{a^2}{2}$, where $a\ge0$. $\frac{4\left(-\frac{1}{2}+\frac{a^2}{2}\right)^2}{\left(1-\sqrt{1+2\left(-\frac{1}{2}+\frac{a^2}{2}\right)}\right)^2}<2\left(-\frac{1}{2}+\frac{a^2}{2}\right)+9$

After simplifying, we get $(a+1)^2<a^2+8$

So $a^2+2a+1<a^2+8$

Which gives $a<\frac{7}{2}$ and hence $-\frac{1}{2} \le x<\frac{45}{8}$.

But $x=0$ makes the RHS indeterminate.

So, answer: $-\frac{1}{2} \le x<\frac{45}{8}$, except $x=0$.


See Also

1960 IMO (Problems) • Resources
Preceded by
Problem 1
1 2 3 4 5 6 Followed by
Problem 3
All IMO Problems and Solutions