How can the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality be applied to L^2 functions in a book?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality to L² functions, particularly in the context of integrals. Participants explore the relationship between different norms and the implications of the inequality in various scenarios, including questions about justifying transitions between forms of the inequality.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality for L² functions and questions the justification for transitioning from the integral of the product to the integral of the absolute value of the product.
  • Another participant expresses confusion about the connection between the 1-norm of the product of functions and the integral form of the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality.
  • A suggestion is made to apply the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality to the absolute values of the functions to derive the necessary inequality.
  • Participants discuss the use of the triangle inequality in establishing relationships between different norms.
  • One participant acknowledges a typo in their previous message and clarifies their intent regarding the inequality.
  • Another participant offers a visual explanation to clarify a related question about integrals, which is later confirmed as helpful.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding and confusion regarding the application of the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality and the relationships between different norms. No consensus is reached on the justification for certain transitions or the connections between the norms.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention the need for additional inequalities, such as the triangle inequality, to explore the relationships between norms, indicating that the discussion may depend on specific definitions and assumptions about norms.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in functional analysis, particularly those studying inequalities in the context of L² spaces and integrals, may find this discussion relevant.

Lajka
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Hi,

Quick question here: I know that C-S inequality in general states that
|<x,y>| \leq \sqrt{<x,x>} \cdot \sqrt{<y,y>}

and, in the case of L^2(a,b)functions (or L^2(R) functions, for that matter), this translates to
|\int^{b}_{a}f(x)g(x)dx| \leq \sqrt{\int^{b}_{a}|f(x)|^2dx} \cdot \sqrt{\int^{b}_{a}|g(x)|^2dx}

What I don't understand is, in a book I read, it says
||fg||_1 \leq ||f||_2 \cdot ||g||_2
which means
\int^{b}_{a}|f(x)g(x)|dx \leq \sqrt{\int^{b}_{a}|f(x)|^2dx} \cdot \sqrt{\int^{b}_{a}|g(x)|^2dx}

I suppose that both of these correct, but I don't how to justify the transition from |\int^{b}_{a}f(x)g(x)dx| to \int^{b}_{a}|f(x)g(x)|dx.
I suppose I should use the fact that
|\int^{b}_{a}f(x)g(x)dx| \leq \int^{b}_{a}|f(x)g(x)|dx
but that can't be sufficient, e.g., if 2<5 and 2<17 doesn't mean that 5<17. Any thoughts?

Thanks.

EDIT: I'm just going to get greedy and pop-in another small question from the book I use
http://i.imgur.com/l4jD0.png
Can anybody explain to me why is this cleary true? (I hate it when they say it like that, I feel dumb)
 
Last edited:
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Hello Lajka.

I'm a little confused with statement:

∫ba|f(x)g(x)|dx≤∫ba|f(x)|2dx−−−−−−−−−√⋅∫ba|g(x)|2dx−−−−−−−−−√

I can't see the connection between the 1-norm of (f+g) and this integral.

One thing that pops to mind that if you need to find something about the bounds of norm of (f+g), that you should use the triangle inequality which will place bounds of (f+g) in terms (f) and (g) (norms).

Off the top of my head, I can't remember how various norms are linked in terms of inequalities, but I'm guessing that if you find some sort of inequality relationship that categorizes the 1-norm with the 2-norm in terms of an inequality, you could use the triangle inequality to establish that identity.

I'm sorry I can't help you any more than this though.
 
whoops, sorry about that plus, it was just a typo (i probably was thinking of minkowsky inequality at that moment), there should be multiplication in there, of course.

thanks for the response, in any case :D
 
Hi Lajka! :smile:

Why don't you try to apply C-S on <|f|,|g|>?
That should give you your inequality.

As for your pop-in question.
Try to write the integral as a sum of rectangles with width 1.
You should be able to see the inequality holds for each rectangle.
(Should I make a drawing? I like drawings! Or perhaps you will? :wink:)
 
Hey serena! :)

You must be my guardian angel on this forum or something. Anyway, the solution to the first question worked out flawlessly, and as for the second one, here's the picture! :D
NyfvB.png

I'm guessing you meant something like this, and it makes sense, so I guess that's that.

Thanks serena! :D
 
Yes, that's what I meant exactly! :)
Nice drawing!

See you next time. Don't be a stranger!
 
Okay, it's a deal :D
I got to think of a way to repay you for your help thus far :)
 
I have to admit that it was your drawings in previous threads that drew my attention - I liked them! :D
Since then I've been hovering around.
I hope you don't mind. :shy:
 
Haha, not at all, I'm flattered actually. :D
 

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