Let a, b, c, d be positive real numbers with a+b+c+d=4. Prove the inequality a2−ab+b2(a+b)2+b2−bc+c2(b+c)2+c2−cd+d2(c+d)2+d2−da+a2(d+a)2≤16.
Solution
(a+b)2=a2+2ab+b≤a2+a(b+1)+b=(a+b)(a+1). By Cauchy's mean theorem a2−ab+b2≥a2−2a2+b2+b2=2a2+b2≥2a+b from where we get a2−ab+b2(a+b)2≥2a+b(a+b)(a+1)=2(a+1). It implies cyc∑a2−ab+b2(a+b)2≥2(a+1)+2(b+1)+2(c+1)+2(d+1)=16
and we have done. Equality holds when a=b=c=d=1.
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Source: MathNet,
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