Let $a$, $b$, and $c$ be positive real numbers. the smallest possible value of…

algebra-precalculus

Let $a$, $b$, and $c$ be positive real numbers. What is the smallest possible value of $(a+b+c)\left(\frac{1}{a+b}+\frac{1}{a+c}+\frac{1}{b+c}\right)$?


I don't know how to approach this problem, though I think it might use the AM-GM inequality. Can someone please help?

Best Answer

AM-GM inequality is a good idea: \begin{align} & (a + b + c)\left(\frac{1}{a + b} + \frac{1}{a + c} + \frac{1}{b + c}\right) \\ = & \frac{1}{2}((a + b) + (a + c) + (b + c))\left(\frac{1}{a + b} + \frac{1}{a + c} + \frac{1}{b + c}\right) \\ \geq & \frac{1}{2} \times 3\sqrt[3]{(a + b)(a + c)(b + c)} \times 3\sqrt[3]{\frac{1}{(a + b)(a + c)(b + c)}} \\ = & \frac{9}{2} \end{align}

The equality holds when $a + b = a + c = b + c$.