An algebra problem by Suparno Karmakar

Algebra Level 4

If a , b , c a, b, c are positive reals such that a + 2 b + 3 c = 1 a+2b+3c = 1 , then what is the maximum value of a 3 b 2 c a^3b^2c ?

1/5632 1/5183 1/4589 1/5184

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2 solutions

Arjen Vreugdenhil
Oct 21, 2015

We write the given sum as 1 = a + 2 b + 3 c = ( 1 3 a ) + ( 1 3 a ) + ( 1 3 a ) + b + b + ( 3 c ) . 1 = a+2b+3c = (\tfrac13a)+ (\tfrac13a)+ (\tfrac13a)+b+b+(3c). With AM-GM, ( 1 3 a ) + ( 1 3 a ) + ( 1 3 a ) + b + b + ( 3 c ) 6 ( 1 3 a ) ( 1 3 a ) ( 1 3 a ) b b ( 3 c ) 6 . \frac{(\tfrac13a)+ (\tfrac13a)+ (\tfrac13a)+b+b+(3c)}6 \geq \sqrt[6]{(\tfrac13a)\cdot(\tfrac13a)\cdot (\tfrac13a)\cdot b\cdot b\cdot (3c)}. 1 6 1 9 a 3 b 2 c 6 . \frac16 \geq \sqrt[6]{\frac19a^3b^2c}. Equality holds when 1 3 a = b = 3 c \tfrac13a = b = 3c ; for that case, a 3 b 2 c = 9 ( 1 6 ) 6 = 1 5184 . a^3b^2c = 9\cdot \left(\frac16\right)^6 = \boxed{\frac1{5184}}.

Can we use this too? a=2,b=-1, and c=1/3.. So that we find 8x1x1/9=8/9... We can use the other number, so I think it has no maximum value :) CMIIW

Rafi Pepe - 5 years, 7 months ago
Hieu Tran
Oct 26, 2015

The problem should consider all a,b,c are positive or all negative. If don't, the question would be no answer. Because, for example, let a and c go to infinitive negative then for a + 2b +3c =1, b should go to infinity, then a^3 b^2 c go to infinity no maxium.

You answered the problem as it was stated, and I answered it as it was meant :) You are right, of course; if negative values are allowed, there is no maximum.

Arjen Vreugdenhil - 5 years, 7 months ago

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