MathLabs

Problem 5

Let n be an integer at least 2. Prove that if real numbers a_1, a_2, ..., a_n satisfy a_1^2+a_2^2+...+a_n^2=n, then the sum over 1≤i<j≤n of 1/(n-a_i a_j) is at most n/2.
Step 1 of 6: Ensure positive denominators
aiaj≤ai2+aj22≤n2(i≠j),n−aiaj>0.a_i a_j\le\frac{a_i^2+a_j^2}{2}\le\frac n2\quad(i\ne j),\quad n-a_i a_j>0.
Detailed analysis

The square-sum condition bounds each pair sum by n. Thus every denominator is positive, so all later comparisons are legitimate.