Schwarz Inequality and Irrational Numbers

In summary, the conversation discusses the proof of the irrationality of the sum of the cube root of 3 and the square root of 2, the geometrical interpretation of Schwarz Inequality for n = 2 and 3, and the conditions for equality in Schwarz Inequality. The first question involves using a theorem about rational solutions of polynomials, while the second and third questions focus on the application and interpretation of Schwarz Inequality.
  • #1
courtrigrad
1,236
2
Hello everyone. I have 2 questions.

1. Prove that the cube root (3) + sqrt (2) is irrational.

My Solution​
Assume l is an irrational number of the form p/q where p and q are integers not equal to 0. Then

p^6 / q^6 = [(cube root(3) + sqrt (2))]^6

I concluded that it must be in the form x^6 +a1x^5 + ... + an(sub n) = 0, where a1..an are integers. I do not know how to prove whether x is irrational or integral. I tried using a simpler case like sqrt (2), but it did not work.


2. State the geometrical interpretation of Schwarz Inequality for n = 2, 3.

I know the interpretation is for any angle between two straight lines the cosine is less than the absolute value of 1. But how do you get that?

I know Schwarz Inequality is:

(a1b1 + a2b2 +... +anbn)^2 <= (a1^2+a2^2+...+an^2) (b1^2+b2^2+...+bn^2).

So for n = 2, we have (a1b1 +a2b2)^2 <= (a1^2+a2^2)(b1^2+b2^2). However how do we get the interpretation mentioned above?

3. Show that the equality sign in Schwarz Inequality holds if and only if the a's and b's are proportional; cav +dbv = 0.

My Solution​
We know that ax^2 + 2bx + c = a(x+ b/a)^2 + ac-b^2/ a
If b^2 - ac = 0 we can set above equation equal to 0. Then ehat?


I would appreciate any responses.

Thanks
 
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  • #2
1. There's a nifty theorem about the rational solutions of polynomials:

Given the polynomal [itex]a_n x^n + \ldots + a_1 x + a_0[/itex], with all of the a_i integers, all rational solutions are given by p/q where p divides a_0 and q divides a_n.



2. Do you recognize a1b1 + a2b2 as the dot product of <a1, a2> with <b1, b2>?
 
  • #3
any ideas about the third problem?
 
  • #4
Here is my solution to the third problem:

ax^2 + 2bx + c = 0 iff b^2 - ac = 0. Then we apply Schwarz inequality. However this is where I get stuck. How do we apply Schwarz Inequality?


Note: ax^2 + 2bx + c = 0 is same as a(x + b/a )^2 + (ac - b^2 )/ a = 0
 

FAQ: Schwarz Inequality and Irrational Numbers

1. What is the Schwarz Inequality?

The Schwarz Inequality, also known as the Cauchy-Schwarz Inequality, is a mathematical concept that states the square of the dot product of two vectors is less than or equal to the product of the squares of the two vectors. In other words, it provides a way to measure the relationship between two vectors and determine if they are perpendicular or parallel.

2. How is the Schwarz Inequality used in mathematics?

The Schwarz Inequality has many applications in mathematics, including in linear algebra, calculus, and functional analysis. It is used to prove the existence and uniqueness of solutions to differential equations, and to define inner product spaces. It also has uses in geometry, statistics, and optimization problems.

3. What are irrational numbers?

Irrational numbers are numbers that cannot be expressed as a ratio of two integers. They are non-terminating and non-repeating decimals, and cannot be written as fractions. Examples of irrational numbers include pi, the square root of 2, and Euler's number.

4. How are irrational numbers related to the Schwarz Inequality?

The Schwarz Inequality is related to irrational numbers because it can be used to prove that the square root of 2 is irrational. This is done by assuming that the square root of 2 is rational and then using the Schwarz Inequality to show that this assumption leads to a contradiction.

5. Can the Schwarz Inequality be extended to complex numbers?

Yes, the Schwarz Inequality can be extended to complex numbers. In this case, it is known as the Cauchy-Bunyakovsky-Schwarz Inequality and is used in complex analysis and Fourier analysis. It states that the absolute value of the inner product of two complex vectors is less than or equal to the product of the absolute values of the two vectors.

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