Let a>1, b>1, c>1, d>1, x, y be real numbers satisfying ax+by=(a2+b2)x and cx+dy=2y(cd)y/2. Prove that x<y.
Solution
On the contrary suppose that x−y=t≥0. From cx+dy=2y(cd)y/2 we get (dc)y⋅ct+1=(2dc)y Since t≥0 and c>1 we have ct≥1 and (2dc)y≥(dc)y+1 Let dc=u. Since 2y≥uy+u−y≥2 we get y≥1 and x=y+t≥1. Therefore, ax+by=(a2+b2)x≥a2x+b2x But ax<a2x and by≤bx<b2x. Contradiction shows that x<y.
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