How to interpret absolute value bars?

In summary, the conversation discusses the Cauchy schwarz inequality in real inner product spaces, with the main statement being A·B ≤ |A·B|. The question arises about the distribution of absolute value bars and the interpretation of the statement using specific vector components. The final question is about the interpretation of |cA·B|.
  • #1
aj-smith
3
0
I was further looking into the Cauchy schwarz inequality and i got to a statement as follows:

A·B ≤ |A·B|

However, when I tried to prove this using numbers on paper, I wasn't sure if the absolute value bars distribute among each term, which would lead to |A|·|B|, or if the final product is then absolute.

I was wondering how you would interpret the above statement (assuming all capital letters represent vectors

These are the components I assumed.

A= {1,2} B= {-2,3} c= -2

Also how would the following below be interpreted?

|cA·B|

Thank you.
 
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  • #2
aj-smith said:
I was further looking into the Cauchy schwarz inequality and i got to a statement as follows:

A·B ≤ |A·B|

*** I presume you're talking of real inner product spaces since otherwise (i.e., in a complex space) this has no meaning. ***


However, when I tried to prove this using numbers on paper, I wasn't sure if the absolute value bars distribute among each term, which would lead to |A|·|B|, or if the final product is then absolute.


*** You seemed to be using the dot [itex]\cdot[/itex] to represent inner product of two vectors, so [itex]|A|\cdot |B|[/itex] would be the

product of two real NUMBERS, IF by [itex]|A|[/itex] you mean the norm of vector A...something completely different. ***




I was wondering how you would interpret the above statement (assuming all capital letters represent vectors

These are the components I assumed.

A= {1,2} B= {-2,3} c= -2

Also how would the following below be interpreted?

|cA·B|


*** This is the abs. value of the inner product of the vector cA by the vector B, i.e. [tex]|(-2,-4)\cdot (-2,3)|=|4-12|=8[/tex]

DonAntonio



Thank you.

...
 

FAQ: How to interpret absolute value bars?

What is the meaning of absolute value?

The absolute value of a number is the distance of the number from zero on a number line. It is always a positive number.

How do I interpret absolute value bars in an equation?

The absolute value bars in an equation indicate that the value inside them should be treated as a positive number, regardless of its sign. For example, |x| = 5 means that x could be either 5 or -5.

Can absolute value bars be used on variables?

Yes, absolute value bars can be used on variables. They are often used when solving equations or inequalities with variables.

What are some common mistakes when interpreting absolute value bars?

One common mistake is forgetting to include the absolute value bars when solving equations with a variable inside them. Another mistake is misinterpreting the absolute value of a negative number as a positive number.

How do I graph absolute value functions?

The graph of an absolute value function is a V-shaped graph. The vertex of the V is the point where the function intersects the y-axis. The slope of the V is always positive, and the function is symmetric about the y-axis.

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