Holder's inequality for integrals

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    Inequality Integrals
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around proving Hölder's inequality for integrals, specifically the case of |∫fg|≤ sqrt(∫f^2)*sqrt(∫g^2). Participants are exploring different approaches and reasoning related to the proof.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest starting with the inequality xy ≤ 1/2(x^2 + y^2) as a basis for the proof.
  • DonAntonio proposes substituting f and g into the inequality and integrating both sides to derive the proof.
  • Others express confusion about the validity of the second step in DonAntonio's argument, questioning how it follows from the first part.
  • Some participants challenge the clarity of the proof, suggesting that the reasoning lacks completeness or rigor.
  • There are mentions of considering the expressions (x-y)^2 and (x+y)^2 to analyze the inequality further.
  • One participant attempts to manipulate the expressions involving x and y to derive a form of the inequality but admits to not seeing the connection to Hölder's inequality.
  • Another participant emphasizes the simplicity of the algebra involved but still struggles to see the final result.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on the proof of Hölder's inequality. Multiple competing views and uncertainties remain regarding the validity of the proposed steps and the overall argument.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express limitations in understanding the initial assumptions and the transitions between steps in the proof. There is also a lack of clarity on how certain algebraic manipulations lead to the desired conclusion.

brydustin
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Does anyone know a simple proof for holder's inequality?

I would be more interested in seeing the case of
|∫fg|≤ sqrt(∫f^2)*sqrt(∫g^2)
 
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brydustin said:
Does anyone know a simple proof for holder's inequality?

I would be more interested in seeing the case of
|∫fg|≤ sqrt(∫f^2)*sqrt(∫g^2)



Be sure you can prove the following:

1) For any [itex]x,y\in\mathbb R\,\,,\,\,xy\leq\frac{1}{2}(x^2+y^2)[/itex]

2) Now put [itex]\frac{f}{\sqrt{\int f^2}}:= x\,,\,\,\frac{g}{\sqrt{\int g^2 dx}}:=y\,\,[/itex] in the above, integrate both sides and voila!, there you have your proof.

DonAntonio
 
DonAntonio said:
Be sure you can prove the following:

1) For any [itex]x,y\in\mathbb R\,\,,\,\,xy\leq\frac{1}{2}(x^2+y^2)[/itex]

2) Now put [itex]\frac{f}{\sqrt{\int f^2}}:= x\,,\,\,\frac{g}{\sqrt{\int g^2 dx}}:=y\,\,[/itex] in the above, integrate both sides and voila!, there you have your proof.

DonAntonio

Well the first part makes sense, I don't see why the second step follows.
 
Also I don't see the first part either...

If max(x,y) = x.
Then xy <= x^2.
and y^2 <= xy
But the other part doesn't follow. I think your proof is lacking...
 
Think about [itex](x-y)^2[/itex] and [itex](x+y)^2[/itex].
 
micromass said:
Think about [itex](x+y)^2[/itex].

Actually I see the argument xy ≤ 1/2 (x^2 + y^2)
because if we start with x=y then the result is equality.
Now if we let min(x,y) = x. Such that x+ε=y as ε→0,
then xy doesn't decrease as fast as x^2. I.e. (y-ε)y < (y-ε)^2 = x^2
Okay, so the first part makes since, but I still don't see Holder's inequality.
 
What do you get if you fill in the x and y that DonAntonio suggested?
 
brydustin said:
Also I don't see the first part either...

If max(x,y) = x.
Then xy <= x^2.
and y^2 <= xy
But the other part doesn't follow. I think your proof is lacking...


[itex]xy\leq \frac{1}{2}(x^2+y^2)\Longleftrightarrow 0 \leq (x-y)^2[/itex] . I think something different is lacking...;)

DonAntonio
 
micromass said:
What do you get if you fill in the x and y that DonAntonio suggested?

For the first part: Let x + ε= y. : ε≥0
y^2 - εy ≤ y^2 - εy + 2ε^2
y^2 - εy ≤ .5(2^2 - 2yε+ε^2)
(y-ε)y = xy ≤ .5[ (y-ε)^2 + y^2] = .5(x^2 + y^2)

The furthest I get for the second part is:
fg/[ (sqrt(∫g^2)*sqrt(∫f^2) ] ≤ .5 * [ (f^2/∫f^2) + (g^2/∫g^2) ]
Sorry, I don't see it.
 
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brydustin said:
For the first part: Let x + ε= y. : ε≥0
y^2 - εy ≤ y^2 - εy + 2ε^2
y^2 - εy ≤ .5(2^2 - 2yε+ε^2)
(y-ε)y = xy ≤ .5[ (y-ε)^2 + y^2] = .5(x^2 + y^2)

Why are you making it so difficult?? It's just basic algebra. What is [itex](x-y)^2[/itex]??

The furthest I get for the second part is:
fg/[ (sqrt(∫g^2)*sqrt(∫f^2) ] ≤ .5 * [ (f^2/∫f^2) + (g^2/∫g^2) ]
Sorry, I don't see it.

Now integrate both sides, what do you get??
 

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