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jmc

algebra senior

Problem

For positive real numbers and find the minimum value of
Solution
Let denote the given sum. First, we apply the fact that for all real numbers

To see this, recall that any real number can be split up into its integer and fractional parts: The fractional part of a real number is always less than 1, so Hence,

Then Adding these inequalities, we get By AM-GM, The same applies to the other pairs of fractions, so As a sum of floors, itself must be an integer, so must be at least 9.

When and Therefore, the minimum value of is
Final answer
9