IneqCraft

Series
IneqCraft Series is a structured journey into the art of solving
inequalities. From fundamental techniques to advanced Olympiad-
level insights, this series is designed to develop deep intuition, preci-
sion, and creative problem-solving skills essential for examinations
like ISI and CMI.

Made by Ayush Behera

Crafting Excellence in Inequalities

© 2026 Ayush Behera

 IneqCraft Series
A Competitive Approach to Inequalities

INDEX

Structure of Each Problem

1. Part 1: My Solution
(Using Simple Inequality Tricks, Basic Ideas, Substitutions)

2. Part 2: Solutions by Participants

(Best, Creative, and Optimized Approaches from Different Participants)

3. Part 3: Ranking & Evaluation

(Ranking of Participants Based on Approach Quality, Elegance, and Marks
Awarded)

Evaluation Criteria:

• Mathematical correctness

• Creativity of approach

• Use of strong inequalities / identities

• Simplicity and clarity

“In inequalities, the best solution is not just correct — it is elegant.”

1
 PART 1
MY SOLUTIONS

Using Simple Inequality Tricks

Question 1 [5 Marks]
Let a ∈ R. Prove that:
1
(a) a + ≥ 2, a>0
a
1
(b) a + ≤ −2, a<0
a

My Solution
(a) Case a > 0:
2
√ √

1 1
( a)2 + √ −2· a· √ ≥0
a a
2
√

1
⇒ a− √ ≥0
a
1
⇒a+ ≥2
a
Equality when a = 1.
(b) Case a < 0:
Let a = −b, b > 0
 
1 1
a+ =− b+
a b
1 1
b+ ≥ 2 ⇒ a + ≤ −2
b a
Equality when a = −1.

Alternative Solution (AM-GM)

(a) Using AM-GM (a > 0):
1
r
a+ a 1 1
≥ a· =1⇒a+ ≥2
2 a a
(b) For a < 0:
Let a = −b
 
1 1
a+ =− b+
a b
1 1
b+ ≥ 2 ⇒ a + ≤ −2
b a

© Ayush Behera — IneqCraft Series

Question 2 [5 Marks]
Let a ≥ 0. Prove that:

a5 − a2 + 3 ≥ a3 + 2

My Solution

a5 − a2 + 3 ≥ a3 + 2

⇒ a5 − a3 − a2 + 1 ≥ 0

⇒ a3 (a2 − 1) − (a2 − 1) ≥ 0

⇒ (a2 − 1)(a3 − 1) ≥ 0
Now factor:

a2 − 1 = (a − 1)(a + 1), a3 − 1 = (a − 1)(a2 + a + 1)

⇒ (a − 1)2 (a + 1)(a2 + a + 1) ≥ 0
Since for a ≥ 0:

(a − 1)2 ≥ 0, (a + 1) ≥ 0, (a2 + a + 1) > 0

⇒ LHS ≥ 0

Hence proved

Question 3 [5 Marks]
Let a ≥ 0. Prove that:

5(a2 − a + 1)2 ≥ 2(1 + a4 )

My Solution

5(a2 − a + 1)2 ≥ 2(1 + a4 )

⇔ 5(a2 − a + 1)2 − 2(1 + a4 ) ≥ 0

Now use identity:
2(1 + a4 ) = (1 + a2 )2 + (1 − a2 )2

© Ayush Behera — IneqCraft Series

 ⇒ 5(a2 − a + 1)2 − (1 + a2 )2 − (1 − a2 )2
Now rewrite cleverly:

= 5(a2 − a + 1)2 − (1 + a2 )2 − (1 − a2 )2
h i
= (a + 1)2 5(a2 − a + 1)2 − (1 + a2 )2 − (1 − a2 )2
Using identity:

(1 + a2 )2 + (1 − a2 )2 = 2(1 + a4 )
h i
⇒= (a + 1)2 5(a2 − a + 1)2 − 2(1 + a4 )
Now observe:

5(a2 − a + 1)2 − 2(1 + a4 ) = 3(a2 − a + 1)2 + 2 (a2 − a + 1)2 − (1 + a4 )

 

And:

(a2 − a + 1)2 − (1 + a4 ) = a2 (a − 1)2 ≥ 0

Thus:

= 3(a2 − a + 1)2 + 2a2 (a − 1)2 ≥ 0

Since all terms are non-negative for a ≥ 0,

⇒ 5(a2 − a + 1)2 ≥ 2(1 + a4 )

Hence proved

© Ayush Behera — IneqCraft Series

Alternative Solution (AM-GM)
Alternative Solution (Substitution Method):
Case 1: a = 0

5(0 − 0 + 1)2 = 5 ≥ 2(1 + 0) = 2

Hence true.
Case 2: a > 0
Divide both sides by a2 :
 2  
1 2 1
5 a−1+ ≥2 a + 2
a a
Let:
1
t=a+ , t≥2
a
Then:
1 1
a−1+ = t − 1, a2 + = t2 − 2
a a2
So inequality becomes:

5(t − 1)2 ≥ 2(t2 − 2)

⇒ 5(t2 − 2t + 1) ≥ 2t2 − 4

⇒ 3t2 − 10t + 9 ≥ 0

3t2 − 10t + 9 ≥ 0
Consider the quadratic:
f (t) = 3t2 − 10t + 9
Discriminant:
D = (−10)2 − 4 · 3 · 9 = 100 − 108 = −8 < 0
Since leading coefficient 3 > 0 and D < 0,

f (t) > 0 for all real t

⇒ 3t2 − 10t + 9 ≥ 0

⇒ 5(a2 − a + 1)2 ≥ 2(1 + a4 )

Hence proved

© Ayush Behera — IneqCraft Series

Question 4 [5 Marks]
Let a ≥ 0. Prove that:

2(a2 + 1)3 ≥ (a3 + 1)(a + 1)3

My Solution

2(a2 + 1)3 ≥ (a3 + 1)(a + 1)3

Use:
(a + 1)2 + (a − 1)2
a2 + 1 =
2
3
(a + 1)2 + (a − 1)2

2 3
⇒ 2(a + 1) = 2
2

3
(a + 1)2 + (a − 1)2
=
4
Now expand using identity:

(x + y)3 = x3 + y 3 + 3xy(x + y)

Let:
x = (a + 1)2 , y = (a − 1)2

⇒ ((a + 1)2 + (a − 1)2 )3 = (a + 1)6 + (a − 1)6 + 3(a + 1)2 (a − 1)2 (a + 1)2 + (a − 1)2

Thus,


(a + 1)6 + (a − 1)6 3(a2 − 1)2 (a + 1)2 + (a − 1)2
2(a2 + 1)3 = +
4 4
Now subtract RHS:

2(a2 + 1)3 − (a3 + 1)(a + 1)3

(a + 1)6 (a − 1)6 3(a2 − 1)2 (a + 1)2 + (a − 1)2
= − (a + 1)4 (a2 − a + 1) + +
4 4 4
Factor (a + 1)4 from first two terms:

4 (a + 1)2 − 4(a2 − a + 1) (a − 1)6 3(a2 − 1)2 (a + 1)2 + (a − 1)2
= (a + 1) · + +
4 4 4
Simplify numerator:

(a + 1)2 − 4(a2 − a + 1) = a2 + 2a + 1 − 4a2 + 4a − 4 = −3(a − 1)2

© Ayush Behera — IneqCraft Series

Thus:


4 −3(a − 1)
2
(a − 1)6 3(a2 − 1)2 (a + 1)2 + (a − 1)2
= (a + 1) · + +
4 4 4
Now combine:

(a − 1)6 3(a2 − 1)2 (a + 1)2

= +
4 4
3(a2 − 1)2 (a − 1)2 3(a + 1)4 (a − 1)2
+ −
4 4
Rearranging:

(a − 1)6 3(a2 − 1)2 (a − 1)2

= + ≥0
4 4
Since all terms are non-negative for a ≥ 0,

⇒ 2(a2 + 1)3 ≥ (a3 + 1)(a + 1)3

Hence proved

Question 5 [5 Marks]
Let a ≥ 0. Prove that:

4(a3 + 1)3 ≥ (a4 + 1)(a2 + 1)(a + 1)3

My Solution

4(a3 + 1)3 ≥ (a4 + 1)(a2 + 1)(a + 1)3

Using:

a3 + 1 = (a + 1)(a2 − a + 1) ⇒ 4(a2 − a + 1)3 ≥ (a4 + 1)(a2 + 1)

Also:
(a2 + 1)2 + (a2 − 1)2
a4 + 1 =
2

⇒ 8(a2 − a + 1)3 ≥ (a2 + 1)3 + (a2 − 1)2 (a2 + 1)

⇒ 8(a2 − a + 1)3 − (a2 + 1)3 ≥ (a2 − 1)2 (a2 + 1)

Let A = 2(a2 − a + 1), B = (a2 + 1).

A − B = (a − 1)2

⇒ A3 − B 3 = (a − 1)2 A2 + B 2 + AB

© Ayush Behera — IneqCraft Series

Thus:
(a − 1)2 A2 + B 2 + AB ≥ (a − 1)2 (a + 1)2 (a2 + 1)

Cancelling (a − 1)2 :

A2 + B 2 + AB ≥ (a + 1)2 (a2 + 1)

= (2(a2 − a + 1))2 + (a2 + 1) (a2 + 1) + 2(a2 − a + 1) − (a + 1)2

 

Bracket simplifies to:

2(a − 1)2
Hence:
= (2(a2 − a + 1))2 + 2(a2 + 1)(a − 1)2 ≥ 0

Hence proved

Alternative Solution (AM-GM)

Alternative Solution:

4(a3 + 1)3 ≥ (a4 + 1)(a2 + 1)(a + 1)3

At a = 1, both sides are equal, so equality holds at a = 1.
Using:
(a2 + 1)2
a4 + 1 ≥
2

⇒ 8(a3 + 1)3 ≥ (a2 + 1)3 (a + 1)3

= (a3 + a2 + a + 1)3

⇒ (2(a3 + 1))3 − (a3 + a2 + a + 1)3 ≥ 0

Using A3 − B 3 :

= (a3 − a2 − a + 1)(positive) = (a − 1)2 (a + 1)(positive) ≥ 0

Hence proved

Question 6 (a) [5 Marks]

Let a ≥ 0. Prove that:

2(a3 + 1)4 ≥ (a4 + 1)(a2 + 1)4

© Ayush Behera — IneqCraft Series

My Solution

2(a3 + 1)4 ≥ (a4 + 1)(a2 + 1)4

Equality holds at a = 1.
Using inequality:
(a2 + 1)2
a4 + 1 ≥
2
(a + 1)4
⇒ a4 + 1 ≥
8
Thus:
3 4(a + 1)4 2
2(a + 1) ≥ (a + 1)4
8

⇒ 16(a3 + 1)4 − (a3 + a2 + a + 1)4 ≥ 0

Now use:
A4 − B 4 = (A − B)(A + B)(A2 + B 2 )
Let:
A = 2(a3 + 1), B = (a3 + a2 + a + 1)
Then:
A − B = 2(a3 + 1) − (a3 + a2 + a + 1) = a3 − a2 − a + 1

= (a − 1)2 (a + 1)
Thus:
16(a3 + 1)4 − (a3 + a2 + a + 1)4 = (a − 1)2 (a + 1) · (positive)
Since all other factors are positive for a ≥ 0,

⇒ LHS ≥ 0

Hence proved

Question 6 (b) [5 Marks]

Let 0 < a < 8. Prove that:
  
1 1 9
1+ √ 1+ √ ≥
a 8−a 4

My Solution
  
1 1
1+ √ 1+ √
a 8−a

© Ayush Behera — IneqCraft Series

 1 1 1
=1+ √ + √ +p
a 8−a a(8 − a)
Using AM-GM:
1 1 2
√ +√ ≥
a 8−a (a(8 − a))1/4
Let: p
t= a(8 − a), t≤4
Then:
2 1
≥1+ +
t1/2 t
Since t ≤ 4:
1 1 2
≥ , ≥1
t 4 t1/2
Thus:
1 9
≥1+1+ =
4 4

Hence proved

Question 7 [5 Marks]
Let −1 < a < 1. Prove that:
√
4
√
4
√
4
1 − a2 + 1−a+ 1+a≤3

My Solution
Use:
1 − a2 = (1 − a)(1 + a)
√
4
p
4
⇒ 1 − a2 = (1 − a)(1 + a)
By AM-GM: √ √
p
4
4
1−a+ 41+a
(1 − a)(1 + a) ≤
2
Thus: √ √
4
1−a+ 41+a √ √
LHS ≤ + 41−a+ 41+a
2
3 √4
√4

= 1−a+ 1+a
2
Again by AM-GM:
r
√
4
√
4 4 (1 − a) + (1 + a)
1−a+ 1+a≤2 =2
2
Hence:
3
LHS ≤ ·2=3
2

© Ayush Behera — IneqCraft Series

 Hence proved

Question 8 [5 Marks]
Let a > 0. Prove that:
r
a3 + 1 √ 2 a4 + 1
≥ a −a+1≥
a2 + 1 2

My Solution
Part 1:
2
a3 + 1

≥ a2 − a + 1
a2 + 1
Using:
a3 + 1
a2 − a + 1 =
a+1
(a3 + 1)2 a3 + 1
⇒ ≥
(a2 + 1)2 a+1
 3 
3 a +1 1
⇒ (a + 1) − ≥0
(a2 + 1)2 a + 1
Simplifying:

a(a − 1)2
= ≥0
(a + 1)(a2 + 1)
Hence,
a3 + 1 √ 2
≥ a −a+1
a2 + 1
Part 2:

a4 + 1
a2 − a + 1 ≥
2

⇒ 2a2 − 2a + 2 ≥ a4 + 1

⇒ a4 − 2a2 + 2a − 1 ≤ 0

= (a − 1)2 (a2 + 1) ≤ 0
This is possible only when:
a=1
Thus: r
√ a4 + 1
a2 − a + 1 ≥
2

© Ayush Behera — IneqCraft Series

holds only at equality.

r
a3 + 1 √ 2 a4 + 1
≥ a −a+1≥
a2 + 1 2

Question 9 [5 Marks]
Let a ≥ 0. Prove that:
√ √ √
a+ 3
a+ 6
a≤a+2

My Solution
Apply AM-GM:
√ a+1
a = a1/2 ≤
2
√ a+1+1
3
a = a1/3 ≤
3
√ a+1+1+1+1+1
6
a = a1/6 ≤
6
Adding:
√ √ √ a+1 a+2 a+5
a+ 3
a+ 6a≤ + +
2 3 6
3(a + 1) + 2(a + 2) + (a + 5)
=
6
6a + 12
= =a+2
6

Hence proved

Question 10 [5 Marks]
Let a ≥ 0. Prove that:
√ √
3
√
6
a+ a2 + a5 ≤ 2a + 1

My Solution
Apply AM-GM:
√ a+1
a = a1/2 ≤
2

© Ayush Behera — IneqCraft Series

 √
3 a+a+1
a2 = a2/3 ≤
3
√
6 a+a+a+a+a+1
a5 = a5/6 ≤
6
Adding:
√ √
3
√
6 a + 1 2a + 1 5a + 1
a + a2 + a5 ≤ + +
2 3 6
3(a + 1) + 2(2a + 1) + (5a + 1)
=
6
12a + 6
= = 2a + 1
6

Hence proved

© Ayush Behera — IneqCraft Series

 PART – 2
Alternative Solutions
By Other Participants

Different approaches using advanced inequality

techniques such as:

• Jensen’s Inequality
• Logarithmic Substitution
• Cauchy-Schwarz Inequality
• AM-GM Variations
• Homogenization Techniques
• Symmetric Transformations

© Ayush Behera — IneqCraft Series

Question 1 [5 Marks]
Let a ∈ R. Prove that:
1
(a) a + ≥ 2, a > 0
a
1
(b) a + ≤ −2, a < 0
a

Key Idea Used

Vector Inequality (Dot Product Bound):
For any vectors u, v,

u · v = |u||v| cos θ ≤ |u||v|

⇒ u · v ≤ |u||v|

Alternative Solution
Credits: Arindam (TG: @AR1NDAMM)
(a) Case: a > 0
Let:
√ 1 √
   
1
u= a, √ , v= √ , a
a a
Then:
u·v =1+1=2
Also: r r
1 1
|u| = a+ , |v| = a+
a a
Using dot product bound:
u · v ≤ |u||v|

1
2≤a+
a
1
⇒a+ ≥2
a

(b) Case: a < 0

Let a = −b, where b > 0.
1 1
a+ = −(b + )
a b

© Ayush Behera — IneqCraft Series

From part (a):
1
b+ ≥2
b
1
⇒a+ ≤ −2
a

Hence proved

Key Idea Used

Key Idea Used:

• AM-GM Inequality

• Monotonicity using Derivatives

Alternative Solution
Alternative Solution 2
Credits: Vardaan Saxena (TG: @saxena vardaan09)
(a) Case: a > 0
By AM-GM:
a+ 1
a
√
≥ 1=1
2
1
⇒a+ ≥2
a

(b) Case: a < 0

Let:
1
f (a) = a +
a
1
f ′ (a) = 1 −
a2
Critical points:
f ′ (a) = 0 ⇒ a2 = 1 ⇒ a = ±1
Since a < 0, consider a = −1:

f (−1) = −1 − 1 = −2
Also:
2
f ′′ (a) = < 0 (for a < 0)
a3
So f (a) is decreasing for a < 0, hence:

© Ayush Behera — IneqCraft Series

 f (a) ≤ −2 ∀a < 0

1
⇒a+ ≤ −2
a

Hence proved

Question 3 [5 Marks]
Let a ≥ 0. Prove that:

5(a2 − a + 1)2 ≥ 2(1 + a4 )

Key Idea Used

Key Idea Used:

• Substitution: u = a + 1
a

• Reduction to quadratic inequality

• Discriminant method

Alternative Solution 1
Credits: Meghadri Banerjee
Given:
5(a2 − a + 1)2 ≥ 2(1 + a4 )
Divide both sides by a2 (valid for a > 0):
2
a2 − a + 1 1 + a4
  
5 ≥2
a a2
 2  
1 2 1
⇒5 a+ −1 ≥2 a + 2
a a
Let:
1 1
u=a+ ⇒ a2 + 2
= u2 − 2
a a
So inequality becomes:

5(u − 1)2 ≥ 2(u2 − 2)

⇒ 5(u2 − 2u + 1) ≥ 2u2 − 4

© Ayush Behera — IneqCraft Series

 ⇒ 3u2 − 10u + 9 ≥ 0
Now check discriminant:

∆ = (−10)2 − 4 · 3 · 9 = 100 − 108 = −8 < 0

Since leading coefficient > 0, the quadratic is always ≥ 0.

⇒ 3u2 − 10u + 9 ≥ 0
Hence,
5(a2 − a + 1)2 ≥ 2(1 + a4 )

Hence proved

Question 4 [5 Marks]
Let a ≥ 0. Prove that:

2(a2 + 1)3 ≥ (a3 + 1)(a + 1)3

Key Idea Used

Key Idea Used: Power Means + Log-Concavity
Let Mp denote the power mean. Then:

f (p) = ln Mp
is a concave function.
By Jensen’s Inequality:

2f (2) ≥ f (1) + f (3)

⇒ (M2 )2 ≥ M1 · M3

Alternative Solution 1
Credits: Arindam (TG: @AR1NDAMM)
Consider numbers a and 1.
Power means:
r 1/3
a3 + 1

a+1 a2 + 1
M1 = , M2 = , M3 =
2 2 2
Using log-concavity:

© Ayush Behera — IneqCraft Series

 (M2 )2 ≥ M1 · M3

1/3
a2 + 1 a3 + 1

a+1
⇒ ≥ ·
2 2 2
Multiply both sides by 2:
1/3
a3 + 1

2
a + 1 ≥ (a + 1)
2
Cube both sides:

a3 + 1
(a2 + 1)3 ≥ (a + 1)3 ·
2

⇒ 2(a2 + 1)3 ≥ (a3 + 1)(a + 1)3

Hence proved

Key Idea Used

Key Idea Used:

• Symmetric transformation

• Substitution: t = a + 1
a

• Reduction to cubic inequality

Alternative Solution 2
Credits: [π]–AFK
Given:
2(a2 + 1)3 ≥ (a3 + 1)(a + 1)3
Expand and simplify:

a6 − 3a5 + 3a4 − 2a3 + 3a2 − 3a + 1 ≥ 0

Divide by a3 (for a > 0):

   
3 1 2 1 1
a + 3 −3 a + 2 +3 a+ −2≥0
a a a

Let:
1
t=a+
a

© Ayush Behera — IneqCraft Series

Then:
1 1
a2 + = t2 − 2, a3 + = t3 − 3t
a2 a3
Substitute:

(t3 − 3t) − 3(t2 − 2) + 3t − 2 ≥ 0

⇒ t3 − 3t2 + 4 ≥ 0
Factor:
(t + 1)(t − 2)2 ≥ 0
1
Since t = a + a
≥ 2 (for a > 0), we get:

(t − 2)2 ≥ 0
Hence,
2(a2 + 1)3 ≥ (a3 + 1)(a + 1)3

Hence proved

Question 5 [5 Marks]
Let a ≥ 0. Prove that:

4(a3 + 1)3 ≥ (a4 + 1)(a2 + 1)(a + 1)3

Key Idea Used

Key Idea Used: Power Means + Log-Concavity + Jensen
Let Mp be the power mean. Then:

f (p) = ln Mp
is concave. Using Jensen:

9f (3) ≥ 4f (4) + 2f (2) + 3f (1)

⇒ (M3 )9 ≥ (M4 )4 (M2 )2 (M1 )3

Alternative Solution 1
Credits: Arindam (TG: @AR1NDAMM)
Consider numbers a and 1.

© Ayush Behera — IneqCraft Series

 r 1/3 1/4
a3 + 1 a4 + 1
 
a+1 a2 + 1
M1 = , M2 = , M3 = , M4 =
2 2 2 2

Using log-concavity:

(M3 )9 ≥ (M4 )4 (M2 )2 (M1 )3

Substitute:
3 3
a3 + 1 a4 + 1 a2 + 1
   
a+1
≥
2 2 2 2
Multiply both sides by 25 :

4(a3 + 1)3 ≥ (a4 + 1)(a2 + 1)(a + 1)3

Hence proved

Question 6 [5 Marks]
Let a ≥ 0. Prove that:

(a) 2(a3 + 1)4 ≥ (a4 + 1)(a2 + 1)4

Let 0 < a < 8. Prove that:

  
1 1 9
(b) 1+ √ 1+ √ ≥
a 8−a 4

Key Idea Used

Key Idea Used:

• Logarithmic transformation

• Convexity / Monotonicity

• Critical point analysis

Alternative Solution 1
Credits: Monish S
(a) Proof:

© Ayush Behera — IneqCraft Series

Given:
2(a3 + 1)4 ≥ (a4 + 1)(a2 + 1)4
Divide both sides by a6 (for a > 0):
 4   4
3/2 1 2 1 1
2 a + 3/2 ≥ a + 2 a+
a a a
Let:
1
t=a+ , t≥2
a
Then:
1 1
a2 + 2
= t2 − 2, a3 + 3
= t3 − 3t
a a
So inequality reduces to a function in t:

F (t) = 2(t3 − 3t + 2)4 − (t2 − 2)(t + 2)4

One can verify:
F ′ (t) > 0 for t ≥ 2
Thus F (t) is strictly increasing.
At t = 2:
F (2) = 0
Hence:
F (t) ≥ 0 ∀t ≥ 2

⇒ 2(a3 + 1)4 ≥ (a4 + 1)(a2 + 1)4

(b) Using Jensen’s Inequality:

Let:  
1
f (x) = ln 1 + √ , x>0
x
One can verify that f (x) is convex on (0, 8).
Applying Jensen:
 
f (a) + f (8 − a) a + (8 − a)
≥f = f (4)
2 2

⇒ f (a) + f (8 − a) ≥ 2f (4)
Exponentiating:
    2
1 1 1 9
1+ √ 1+ √ ≥ 1+ =
a 8−a 2 4

Hence proved

© Ayush Behera — IneqCraft Series

Question 9 [5 Marks]
Let a ≥ 0. Prove that:
√ √ √
a+ 3
a+ 6
a≤a+2

Key Idea Used

Key Idea Used: Polynomial Method + Root Analysis

• Substitution to reduce radicals

• Root multiplicity using derivative

• Descartes’ Rule of Signs

Alternative Solution 1
Credits: Arindam (TG: @AR1NDAMM AND [π]–AFK )
Let:
a = t6 (t ≥ 0)
Then: √ √ √
a = t3 , 3
a = t2 , 6
a=t
So inequality becomes:

t3 + t2 + t ≤ t6 + 2

⇒ t6 − t3 − t2 − t + 2 ≥ 0
Let:
f (t) = t6 − t3 − t2 − t + 2
Observe:
f (1) = 0
Also:
f ′ (t) = 6t5 − 3t2 − 2t − 1

f ′ (1) = 0
Hence, t = 1 is a repeated root, so (t − 1)2 is a factor.
Now, by Descartes’ Rule of Signs, f (t) has at most two positive roots. Since we
already found a double root at t = 1, no other positive roots exist.
Thus, f (t) does not change sign for t > 0.
Checking value:
f (0) = 2 > 0

© Ayush Behera — IneqCraft Series

Hence:
f (t) ≥ 0 ∀t ≥ 0

√ √ √
⇒ a+ 3
a+ 6
a≤a+2

Hence proved

© Ayush Behera — IneqCraft Series

 Part 3
Participant Rankings & Score Analysis
IneqCraft Series

Participant Questions Attempted Score (out of 50) Rank

Arindam 8 / 10 40 1
Monish S 8 / 10 40 1
π-AFK 8 / 10 40 1
Meghadri Banerjee 5 / 10 25 2
Vardaan Saxena 3 / 10 (2 partial) 15 + 5 = 20 3

Evaluation Criteria:

• Each question carries 5 marks

• Partial solutions awarded proportionally

• Ranking based on total score

• Tie handled by equal ranking

Top Performers
Arindam • Monish S • π-AFK
(Outstanding problem-solving approaches and depth of insight)

© Ayush Behera — IneqCraft Series