Why does the equality hold for a symmetric matrix $A$ with $A = A^{T}$?

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In summary, the maximum and minimum eigenvalues of a symmetric matrix $A$ can be found by setting $\lambda= \max \{ \langle x, A x \rangle: ||x||_2=1\}$ and $\mu= \min \{ \langle x,A x \rangle: ||x||_2=1\}$. We can also show that $\sup_{||x||_2=1} |\langle x, Ax \rangle|= \max \{ |\lambda|, |\mu|\}$. The proof involves setting $f(\gamma)=||x||_2^2 \gamma^2 + ||Ax||_2^2 \frac{1}{\gamma^2})$ and
  • #1
evinda
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Hello! (Wave)For $A \in \mathbb{R}^{n \times n}$ with $A=A^{T}$ we set:

$$\lambda:= \max \{ \langle x, A x \rangle: ||x||_2=1\} \\ \mu:= \min \{ \langle x,A x \rangle: ||x||_2=1\}$$

Then for $x \in S_{||\cdot||_{2}}$ we have:

$$\langle x, Ax \rangle \leq |\langle x, A x \rangle| \leq ||x||_2 ||Ax||_2 \leq ||A|| ||x||_2^2=||A||$$

i.e. $\sup_{||x||_2=1} ||Ax||_2 \leq ||A||$

and since $\sup_{||x||_2=1} |\langle x, Ax \rangle|= \max \{ |\lambda|, |\mu|\}$ we have that $\max \{ |\lambda|, |\mu|\} \leq ||A||$.

  • Why does it hold that $\sup_{||x||_2=1} |\langle x, Ax \rangle|= \max \{ |\lambda|, |\mu|\}$ ?

Theorem

If $A \in \mathbb{R}^{n \times n}$ symmetric matrix then

$$||A||= \sup \{ ||Ax||_2: ||x||_2=1\}= \sup \{ |\langle x, Ax \rangle|: ||x||_2=1\}= \max \{ |\lambda|, |\mu|\}$$

Proof:

It remains to show that $||A|| \leq \sup \{ |\langle x, Ax \rangle|: ||x||_2=1\}:=a$

$$||Ax||_2^2=\frac{1}{4} (4 ||Ax||_2^2)=\frac{1}{4}(4 \langle Ax, Ax \rangle)=\frac{1}{4} ( 2 \langle Ax,Ax \rangle+2 \langle A^2 x, x \rangle) \overset{\text{ for an arbritary } \gamma>0}{=} \frac{1}{4}(\langle A(\gamma x+ \gamma^{-1} Ax), \gamma x+ \gamma^{-1} Ax \rangle- \langle A(\gamma x- \gamma^{-1}Ax), \gamma x-\gamma^{-1}Ax) \leq \frac{1}{4}(a ||\gamma x+ \gamma^{-1}Ax||^2+a ||\gamma x-\gamma^{-1}Ax||^2) \leq \frac{a}{2}(||x||_2^2 \gamma^2 + ||Ax||_2^2 \frac{1}{\gamma^2})$$

We set $f(\gamma)=||x||_2^2 \gamma^2 + ||Ax||_2^2 \frac{1}{\gamma^2})$ and check where $f$ achieves its minimum.

  • Could you explain me why the following equality holds?

$$\frac{1}{4} ( 2 \langle Ax,Ax \rangle+2 \langle A^2 x, x \rangle) \overset{\text{ for an arbritary } \gamma>0}{=} \frac{1}{4}(\langle A(\gamma x+ \gamma^{-1} Ax), \gamma x+ \gamma^{-1} Ax \rangle- \langle A(\gamma x- \gamma^{-1}Ax), \gamma x-\gamma^{-1}Ax) $$
 
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  • #2
Did you try to expand the right hand side of the wanted equality?
 
  • #3
girdav said:
Did you try to expand the right hand side of the wanted equality?

Yes, I did. I saw that the equality holds. (Nod)
 

FAQ: Why does the equality hold for a symmetric matrix $A$ with $A = A^{T}$?

Why does the equality hold for certain mathematical equations?

The equality holds for certain mathematical equations because they have been proven to be true through rigorous mathematical proofs and logic. These equations have been tested and verified multiple times by different mathematicians, making them widely accepted as true.

Can the equality ever fail to hold for a mathematical equation?

Yes, the equality can fail to hold for a mathematical equation if the equation is incorrect or if the variables and parameters are not properly defined or used. In some cases, the equality may also fail to hold due to limitations in mathematical tools and techniques.

How do mathematicians ensure that the equality holds in their equations?

Mathematicians ensure that the equality holds in their equations by using rigorous proof techniques such as mathematical induction, contradiction, and direct proof. They also double-check their work and collaborate with other mathematicians to verify the accuracy of their equations.

Are there any exceptions to the equality holding in mathematical equations?

There can be exceptions to the equality holding in mathematical equations, especially in more complex and abstract concepts such as infinity and imaginary numbers. However, these exceptions are well-defined and have been thoroughly studied and understood by mathematicians.

How does knowing why the equality holds help in solving mathematical problems?

Understanding why the equality holds in mathematical equations can help in solving problems by providing a deeper understanding of the concepts and principles involved. It also allows for the application of mathematical equations in different scenarios and the development of new equations and theories.

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