For all real numbers and such that , . If , which of the following must be true?
I.
II.
III.
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This one is tough. I got I and III but couldn't figure out II. The nested function is confusing.
II is tricky. Try plugging in k=2 and see what happens.
I think II is actually true too. Let me check with k=2.
For II, note that f(2,1/k) = 4 - k. Since k>1, this is less than 3. Then f(f(2,1/k),1/k) = (4-k)^2 - k. Need to compare with 4-k. Let's test k=2: f(2,1/2)=3, then f(3,1/2)=9-2=7 >3. For k=3: f(2,1/3)=4-3=1, then f(1,1/3)=1-3=-2, which is not >1. So II fails for k=3. Thus II is not always true.
I is straightforward: f(k,k) = k^2 - 1/k >0 since k>1. f(k,-k) = k^2 + 1/k >0. Product positive. III: f(k,1/k) = k^2 - k, f(1/k,k) = 1/k^2 - 1/k. Sum = k^2 + 1/k^2 - (k+1/k). For k>1, is this always >0? Check k=2: 4+0.25-2.5=1.75>0. k=1.1: 1.21+0.826-1.1-0.909=0.027>0. Seems true. So I and III only, answer D.
How did you prove III for all k>1? I can see it's >0 but need rigorous proof.
What it tests
Your ability to solve and combine linear inequalities and reason about ranges of values.
Common trap
Failing to flip the inequality sign when multiplying or dividing by a negative, or missing an inclusive/exclusive endpoint.