2016 · Q30
Which one of the following inequalities is always true for positive real numbers x, y?
general-mental-abilityquantitative-aptitude
- Axy > x + y
- B(x + y) < (x + y)^2
- Cx + y < x^2 + y^2
- D1 + x + y < (1 + x + y)^2
Explanation
Let t = 1 + x + y; for positive x and y, t > 1, and t < t^2 holds for every t > 1 since t^2 - t = t(t-1) > 0. Hence 1 + x + y < (1 + x + y)^2 is always true. The other inequalities fail for small values (e.g., x = y = 1 gives 1 > 2 for (A), and x + y < 1 breaks (B) and (C)). Hence (D) is the universally true inequality.