doubt on triangle inequality

i have a doubt in finding Min. value of point MA+MB where M(x,0) and A(3/2,1) and A(3/2,1)

my Confusion is that why We can not take MA+MB>=AB

and answer given is take Image of A at A(3/2,-1). Then find

MA'+MB>=AB

and please give the condition in which we can apply Triangle Inequality

like in angle M,A,C

6 Answers

36
rahul ·

Apart from co-ordinate...

if MAB is a triangle then, MA + MB > AB and in no case can it equal AB.

21
Shubhodip ·

You can of course take MA + MB≥AB, but since M can not lie on the segment AB, that will not help to find the minimum, it will be a strict inequality,for exapmle when B≥1, B>-5 is true, but useless.

In order to solve the problem, reflect A, about the X-axis, so that its image is A'. Now MA+ MB= MA'+ MB≥A'B. With equality iff M lies on A'B.(degenerate triangle). Observe that BA' intersects the X-axis at some point, say T. Choose T=M,and we have equality. So the minimum value MA+ MB = |A'B|

1708
man111 singh ·

Thanks Shubhodip.

got it

1
fahadnasir nasir ·

no doubt

21
Arnab Kundu ·

We have learnt that of all the triangles of same height and base ,the perimeter of the isosceles triangle is the least.

So find the eqn. of the line perpendicular bisector of AB. You get M. Then find AM+BM.

I got M≡(5/2,0) and AM+BM=2√2

21
Shubhodip ·

yup that can be prove by CS or minkowski or the way abve

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