Question 19.45

image 15. For two positive numbers and , show that the arithmetic mean is always greater than or equal to the geometric mean. Try some values for and and convince yourself, then demonstrate algebraically that it is true in general. When does equality hold? [Hint: Suppose that the claim is false, so that . Square both sides of the inequality, bring all terms to one side, factor, and observe a contradiction.]

15.

Answers will vary. Equality holds exactly when .