Generalization of the triangle and Ptolemy inequalities (Q1336199)

The triangle inequality \(| A_ 1 A_ 2 | + | A_ 2 A_ 3 | \geq | A_ 1 A_ 3 |\) can be written in the form \[ 1/ | A_ 1 A_ 2 | \cdot | A_ 1 A_ 3| - 1/| A_ 2 A_ 1 | \cdot | A_ 2 A_ 3 | + 1/| A_ 3 A_ 1 | \cdot | A_ 3 A_ 2 | \geq 0. \] In this form it can be generalized to an alternating inequality for any odd-sided polygon that can be inscribed in a circle; there is equality for an even-sided polygon. Use of inversion leads to a generalization of Ptolemy's theorem.