For real numbers x,y,z∈(0,1), with xyz=(1−x)(1−y)(1−z), show that at least one of the numbers (1−x)y,(1−y)z,(1−z)x is greater than or equal to 41.
Solution
From x,y,z∈(0,1) it follows that also 1−x,1−y,1−z∈(0,1). We have ∑(1−x)y=∑x−∑xy, while ∏x=∏(1−x) translates into (∑x−∑xy)+2xyz=1, hence ∑(1−x)y+2∏(1−x)y=1=3⋅41+2(41)3. Now, either ∑(1−x)y≥3⋅41, or ∏(1−x)y≥(41)3, so at least one expression is at least 41. In fact always ∏(1−x)y=∏(1−x)x≤∏(2(1−x)+x)2=(41)3.
Alternative Solution. The use of values x and 1−x, et al. does suggest looking around value 21, the mid-value. There are four cases.
1) If none of x,y,z is at least 1/2, then ∏x<∏(1−x), absurd.
2) If exactly one of x,y,z is at least 1/2, say x, then (1−z)x>1/4.
3) If exactly two of x,y,z are at least 1/2, say y,z, then (1−x)y>1/4.
4) If all three of x,y,z are at least 1/2, then they all must be equal to 1/2, otherwise ∏x>∏(1−x), absurd. Now all three expressions are equal to 1/4.
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