Difference between revisions of "Geometric inequality"
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− | A '''geometric inequality''' is an [[inequality]] involving various measures in geometry. | + | A '''geometric inequality''' is an [[inequality]] involving various measures ([[angle]]s, [[length]]s, [[area]]s, etc.) in [[geometry]]. |
===Pythagorean Inequality=== | ===Pythagorean Inequality=== | ||
− | The Pythagorean | + | The Pythagorean Inequality is a generalization of the [[Pythagorean Theorem]]. The Theorem states that in a [[right triangle]] with sides of length <math>a \leq b \leq c</math> we have <math>a^2 + b^2 = c^2</math>. The Inequality extends this to [[obtuse triangle| obtuse]] and [[acute triangle]]s. The inequality says: |
− | For acute | + | |
+ | For an acute triangle with sides of length <math>a \leq b \leq c</math>, <math>a^2+b^2>c^2</math>. For an obtuse triangle with sides <math>a \leq b \leq c</math>, <math>a^2+b^2<c^2</math>. | ||
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+ | This inequality is a direct result of the [[Law of Cosines]], although it is also possible to prove without using [[trigonometry]]. | ||
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===Triangle Inequality=== | ===Triangle Inequality=== | ||
− | The Triangle | + | The [[Triangle Inequality]] says that the sum of the lengths of any two sides of a non[[degenerate]] triangle is greater than the length of the third side. This inequality is particularly useful and shows up frequently on Intermediate level geometry problems. It also provides the basis for the definition of a [[metric space]] in [[analysis]]. |
===Isoperimetric Inequality=== | ===Isoperimetric Inequality=== | ||
− | + | The [[Isoperimetric Inequality]] states that if a figure in the plane has [[area]] <math>A</math> and [[perimeter]] <math>P</math>, then <math>\frac{4\pi A}{p^2} < 1</math>. This means that given a perimeter <math>P</math> for a plane figure, the [[circle]] has the largest area. Conversely, of all plane figures with area <math>A</math>, the circle has the least perimeter. |
Revision as of 09:38, 14 August 2006
A geometric inequality is an inequality involving various measures (angles, lengths, areas, etc.) in geometry.
Pythagorean Inequality
The Pythagorean Inequality is a generalization of the Pythagorean Theorem. The Theorem states that in a right triangle with sides of length we have . The Inequality extends this to obtuse and acute triangles. The inequality says:
For an acute triangle with sides of length , . For an obtuse triangle with sides , .
This inequality is a direct result of the Law of Cosines, although it is also possible to prove without using trigonometry.
Triangle Inequality
The Triangle Inequality says that the sum of the lengths of any two sides of a nondegenerate triangle is greater than the length of the third side. This inequality is particularly useful and shows up frequently on Intermediate level geometry problems. It also provides the basis for the definition of a metric space in analysis.
Isoperimetric Inequality
The Isoperimetric Inequality states that if a figure in the plane has area and perimeter , then . This means that given a perimeter for a plane figure, the circle has the largest area. Conversely, of all plane figures with area , the circle has the least perimeter.