Given a set of n>2 vectors. We will call a vector in the set long if its length is not less than the length of the sum of the other vectors in the set. Prove that if every vector in the set is long, then the sum of all vectors in the set is zero.
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Official solution
First solution. Let the sum σ of all vectors be different from zero (∣σ∣=s>0). Introduce a rectangular coordinate system Oxy, in which the axis Ox is directed along σ. Let a be the longest vector in the set, i.e., it is not shorter than b=σ−a. Since the y-coordinates of the vectors a and b are equal in magnitude, the x-coordinate ax of the vector a in magnitude is not less than the x-coordinate bx=s−ax of the vector b. From this, we get that ax≥s/2. Now, if all vectors in the set are long, then the sum of their x-coordinates is not less than ns/2>s, but this sum is equal to s. Contradiction.
Second solution. Denote the given vectors by ak(k=1,…,n), and their sum by σ. By the condition, ak≥σ−ck. Square this inequality: akk≥σ2−2σσak+ak2. Summing such inequalities for all k from 1 to n, we get 0≥nσ2−2σ⋅(a1+a2+...+an), i.e., 0≥(n−2)σ2. Therefore, σ=σ.
Source: NuminaMath-1.5,
licensed Apache-2.0.
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