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ShortChallenge Level Yellow star
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Take any two numbers between $0$ and $1$. Prove that the sum of the numbers is always less than one plus their product. That is, if $0< x< 1$ and $0< y< 1$ then prove $$x+y< 1+xy$$
Did you know ... ?

Pure inequalities such as this one are often used in the analysis of far more difficult mathematics problems: whilst the inequalities might be simple to prove in themselves, they can be surprisingly useful as tools.

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$2\wedge 3\wedge 4$ could be $(2^3)^4$ or $2^{(3^4)}$. Does it make any difference? For both definitions, which is bigger: $r\wedge r\wedge r\wedge r\dots$ where the powers of $r$ go on for ever, or $(r^r)^r$, where $r$ is $\sqrt{2}$?

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The NRICH Project aims to enrich the mathematical experiences of all learners. To support this aim, members of the NRICH team work in a wide range of capacities, including providing professional development for teachers wishing to embed rich mathematical tasks into everyday classroom practice.

NRICH is part of the family of activities in the Millennium Mathematics Project.

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