Problems

The following result applies to any function \(\f\) which is continuous, has positive gradient and satisfies \(\f(0)=0\,\): \[ ab\le \int_0^a\f(x)\, \d x + \int_0^b \f^{-1}(y)\, \d y\,, \tag{\(*\)}\] where \(\f^{-1}\) denotes the inverse function of \(\f\), and \(a\ge 0\) and \(b\ge 0\).

1. By considering the graph of \(y=\f(x)\), explain briefly why the inequality \((*)\) holds. In the case \(a>0\) and \(b>0\), state a condition on \(a\) and \(b\) under which equality holds.
2. By taking \(\f(x) = x^{p-1}\) in \((*)\), where \(p>1\), show that if \(\displaystyle \frac 1p + \frac 1q =1\) then \[ ab \le \frac{a^p}p + \frac{b^q}q\,. \] Verify that equality holds under the condition you stated above.
3. Show that, for \(0\le a \le \frac12 \pi\) and \(0\le b \le 1\), \[ ab \le b\arcsin b + \sqrt{1-b^2} \, - \cos a\,. \] Deduce that, for \(t\ge1\), \[ \arcsin (t^{-1}) \ge t - \sqrt{t^2-1}\,. \]