Proof of Cauchy-Shwartz Inequality

In summary, to prove the inequality |<v, w>| \leq ||v||||w|| holds for vectors v and w in an inner product space, we can separate the proof into two cases: one where vector v = 0, and one where it does not. In the latter case, we can use the fact that the scalar product of a vector with itself is greater or equal to 0 to prove the inequality.
  • #1
smoothman
39
0
How would you prove the following:

let V be an inner product space. For v,w [itex]\epsilon[/itex] V we have:

|<v,w>| [itex]\leq[/itex] ||v|| ||w||

with equality if and only if v and w are linearly dependent.

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So far I know that the Cauchy-Schwartz inequality says |< v,w>| is less than or equal to ||v||||w|| for any two vectors v and w in an inner product space.

I also realize i have to prove

|< v, w>|< ||v||||w||

that is, that there is a strict inequality, except in the case where one vector is a multiple of the other.
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any ideas on the proof for this please
 
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  • #2
Separate them into two cases, one where vector x = 0, and one where it does not. The first is simple to prove, the starting point for the other case is that the scalar product of a vector with itself is greater or equal to 0 (or is it? Why? Try to understand why this is the case!).

x,y are vectors in [itex]R^n[/tex]; t is an arbitrary scalar.

? [tex]\leq (tx + y) \cdot (tx + y)[/tex] = ?...
 

Related to Proof of Cauchy-Shwartz Inequality

1. What is the Cauchy-Shwartz Inequality?

The Cauchy-Shwartz Inequality, also known as the Cauchy-Schwarz Inequality, is a mathematical inequality that relates the inner product of two vectors to their lengths. It states that for any two vectors a and b, the absolute value of their inner product is less than or equal to the product of their lengths: |ab| ≤ |a||b|.

2. Who discovered the Cauchy-Shwartz Inequality?

The Cauchy-Shwartz Inequality was first discovered by French mathematician Augustin-Louis Cauchy in 1821. It was later refined and popularized by German mathematician Hermann Amandus Schwarz in the late 19th century.

3. What is the significance of the Cauchy-Shwartz Inequality?

The Cauchy-Shwartz Inequality is a fundamental result in linear algebra and is widely used in various areas of mathematics, physics, and engineering. It has applications in vector calculus, functional analysis, signal processing, and statistics, among others.

4. How is the Cauchy-Shwartz Inequality proved?

The Cauchy-Shwartz Inequality can be proved using various methods, including the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality proof by induction, the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality proof by contradiction, and the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality proof by geometry. The most common approach is the proof by contradiction, which involves assuming the inequality is false and deriving a contradiction.

5. Are there any generalizations or extensions of the Cauchy-Shwartz Inequality?

Yes, there are several generalizations and extensions of the Cauchy-Shwartz Inequality, such as the Minkowski's Inequality, Hölder's Inequality, and the Bessel's Inequality. These generalized inequalities have various applications in different branches of mathematics and have further strengthened the foundations of linear algebra.

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