Chapter 8: Problem 47
Prove the Cauchy-Schwarz Inequality: $$|\mathbf{a} \cdot \mathbf{b}| \leq|\mathbf{a}||\mathbf{b}|$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The Cauchy-Schwarz inequality is proved using the non-negativity of squared expressions.
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Vectors
Consider two vectors \( \mathbf{a} \) and \( \mathbf{b} \) in a vector space with the dot product \( \mathbf{a} \cdot \mathbf{b} \), which can also be expressed as \( |\mathbf{a}||\mathbf{b}| \cos \theta \), where \( \theta \) is the angle between them.
02
Expression Simplification with Dot Product
The Cauchy-Schwarz inequality states that \( |\mathbf{a} \cdot \mathbf{b}| \leq |\mathbf{a}||\mathbf{b}| \). Expanding the dot product in terms of its components, we have \( (a_1b_1 + a_2b_2 + \ldots + a_nb_n)^2 \leq (a_1^2 + a_2^2 + \ldots + a_n^2)(b_1^2 + b_2^2 + \ldots + b_n^2) \). This involves the expression of the dot product of \( \mathbf{a} \) and \( \mathbf{b} \) as a sum of products of their respective components.
03
Constructing a Square Expression
Examine the expression \( |\mathbf{a} \cdot \mathbf{b}|^2 \). Consider the squared magnitude of the dot product: \( (a_1b_1 + a_2b_2 + \ldots + a_nb_n)^2 \). This can be expanded as \( a_1^2b_1^2 + a_1b_1a_2b_2 + \ldots + a_nb_n^2 \), which involves multiple terms of products.
04
Introducing a Different Perspective
Introduce the vector \( \mathbf{c} = \mathbf{a} - \lambda \mathbf{b} \) where \( \lambda \) is a scalar. The vector was designed such that its dot product with itself is non-negative: \( \mathbf{c} \cdot \mathbf{c} \geq 0 \).
05
Expanding the Expression
Now expand the expression \( (\mathbf{a} - \lambda \mathbf{b}) \cdot (\mathbf{a} - \lambda \mathbf{b}) \). This yields: \( \mathbf{a} \cdot \mathbf{a} - 2\lambda (\mathbf{a} \cdot \mathbf{b}) + \lambda^2 (\mathbf{b} \cdot \mathbf{b}) \geq 0 \). This quadratic in \( \lambda \) should have no real roots.
06
Comparing Quadratic Relation
Evaluate the discriminant of the quadratic: \( (-2 \mathbf{a} \cdot \mathbf{b})^2 - 4(\mathbf{a} \cdot \mathbf{a})(\mathbf{b} \cdot \mathbf{b}) \leq 0 \), which simplifies to \( (\mathbf{a} \cdot \mathbf{b})^2 \leq (\mathbf{a} \cdot \mathbf{a})(\mathbf{b} \cdot \mathbf{b}) \). The non-positive discriminant confirms the lack of real roots.
07
Taking Square Roots
By taking the square root of both sides, we conclude \( |\mathbf{a} \cdot \mathbf{b}| \leq |\mathbf{a}||\mathbf{b}| \). This confirms the geometry-based interpretation of the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality with respect to angle projections.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Vector Space
In mathematics, a vector space is a collection of objects called vectors that can be added together and multiplied by numbers, which are called scalars in this context. Vector spaces are fundamental in linear algebra and provide a framework for operations involving vectors.
Key properties of vector spaces include:
Key properties of vector spaces include:
- Vectors can be added together to yield another vector.
- Vectors can be multiplied by scalars, transforming the vector.
- Every vector space contains a zero vector, which acts as an additive identity.
- Adding a vector to its negative results in the zero vector.
Dot Product
The dot product, also known as the scalar product, is a way to multiply two vectors that results in a scalar (a single number). It is a crucial operation in vector algebra, often used to measure angles and lengths within a vector space.
The dot product has the following characteristics:
The dot product has the following characteristics:
- It is calculated by multiplying corresponding components of the two vectors and then summing the results.
- For vectors \( \mathbf{a} = (a_1, a_2, \, \ldots, a_n) \) and \( \mathbf{b} = (b_1, b_2, \, \ldots, b_n) \), the dot product is \( a_1b_1 + a_2b_2 + \, \ldots + a_nb_n \).
- The dot product is related to the cosine of the angle \( \theta \) between the vectors: \( \mathbf{a} \cdot \mathbf{b} = |\mathbf{a}||\mathbf{b}| \cos \theta \).
- It is commutative, meaning \( \mathbf{a} \cdot \mathbf{b} = \mathbf{b} \cdot \mathbf{a} \).
Quadratic Expression
A quadratic expression is a polynomial of the form \( ax^2 + bx + c \) where \( a \), \( b \), and \( c \) are constants, and \( x \) is the variable. Quadratic expressions are central to various mathematical problems and often appear in the context of quadratic equations.
Here are some important points about quadratic expressions:
Here are some important points about quadratic expressions:
- They can be factored or expanded using techniques like completing the square or using the quadratic formula.
- The graph of a quadratic expression is a parabola, opening upwards if \( a > 0 \) and downwards if \( a < 0 \).
- The expression \( x^2 - 2\lambda (\mathbf{a} \cdot \mathbf{b}) + \lambda^2 (\mathbf{b} \cdot \mathbf{b}) \) in the Cauchy-Schwarz proof is a quadratic in \( \lambda \).
- Studying the discriminant, \( b^2 - 4ac \), can reveal the nature of the roots of a quadratic equation.
Inequalities
Inequalities are mathematical statements indicating that one value is less than or greater than another. They play a crucial role in mathematical analysis and are often used to establish unknown relationships between variables.
Some fundamental properties of inequalities include:
Some fundamental properties of inequalities include:
- Inequalities express a range of solutions rather than a fixed number.
- They are used to prove bounds such as \( x \geq 0 \) or \( y < 10 \).
- The Cauchy-Schwarz Inequality specifically states \( |\mathbf{a} \cdot \mathbf{b}| \leq |\mathbf{a}||\mathbf{b}| \).
- Understanding inequalities involves knowing when they are strict (e.g., \( < \)) or non-strict (e.g., \( \leq \)).
- Manipulating inequalities requires care, especially when multiplying or dividing by negative numbers.