Maths Olympiad Prep

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Problem 2371

IMO Shortlist mid-range; USAMO P2/P5
Algebra Difficulty 8.1 Prove it Selection Tests for the BMO and IMO · Romania · 2019

Given an integer n≥3n \ge 3, determine the least value the sum ∑i=1n(1/xi−xi)\sum_{i=1}^{n} (1/x_i - x_i) may achieve, as the xix_i run through the positive real numbers subject to ∑i=1n1xi+n−1=1\sum_{i=1}^{n} \frac{1}{x_i + n - 1} = 1. Also, determine the xix_i at which this minimum is achieved.

This one wants a proof. Work it on paper, then read the official solution and mark yourself. Be honest about it: the record is only any use to you if it is.

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Official solution

The required minimum is 00 and is achieved if and only if the xix_i are all equal to 11. Let x1,…,xnx_1, \dots, x_n be positive real numbers satisfying the condition in the statement. Let yi=xi/(xi+n−1)y_i = x_i/(x_i + n - 1), i=1,2,…,ni = 1, 2, \dots, n, and notice that the yiy_i are positive real numbers that add up to 11. Express the xix_i in terms of the yiy_i to get xi=(n−1)yi/(1−yi)x_i = (n-1)y_i/(1-y_i), and write successively
∑i=1n1xi=1n−1∑i=1n1−yiyi=1n−1∑i=1n1yi∑j≠iyj=1n−1∑i≠jyjyi=1n−1∑i≠jyiyj=1n−1∑i=1nyi∑j≠i1yj≥1n−1∑i=1nyi⋅(n−1)2∑j≠iyj=∑i=1n(n−1)yi1−yi=∑i=1nxi. \begin{aligned} \sum_{i=1}^{n} \frac{1}{x_i} &= \frac{1}{n-1} \sum_{i=1}^{n} \frac{1-y_i}{y_i} = \frac{1}{n-1} \sum_{i=1}^{n} \frac{1}{y_i} \sum_{j \neq i} y_j = \frac{1}{n-1} \sum_{i \neq j} \frac{y_j}{y_i} = \frac{1}{n-1} \sum_{i \neq j} \frac{y_i}{y_j} \\ &= \frac{1}{n-1} \sum_{i=1}^{n} y_i \sum_{j \neq i} \frac{1}{y_j} \ge \frac{1}{n-1} \sum_{i=1}^{n} y_i \cdot \frac{(n-1)^2}{\sum_{j \neq i} y_j} = \sum_{i=1}^{n} \frac{(n-1)y_i}{1-y_i} = \sum_{i=1}^{n} x_i. \end{aligned}
Equality clearly forces the yiy_i all equal to 1/n1/n, which is the case if and only if the xix_i are all equal to 11.

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