Let x be a positive real number. Find the maximum possible value of xx2+2−x4+4
A number or a short expression. Spacing and $ signs are ignored.
Solution
Rationalizing the numerator, we get xx2+2−x4+4⋅x2+2+x4+4x2+2+x4+4=x(x2+2+x4+4)(x2+2)2−(x4+4)=x(x2+2+x4+4)4x2=x1(x2+2+x4+4)4=x+x2+x2+x244 Since we wish to maximize this quantity, we wish to minimize the denominator. By AM-GM, x+x2≥22 and x2+x24≥4, so that the denominator is at least 22+2. Therefore, xx2+2−x4+4≤22+24=22−2, with equality when x=2.
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