Integral Inequality: Solving with Cauchy-Schwarz

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on proving the integral inequality (\int cos(x)f(x)dx)^2 <= 2 \int cos(x)f(x)^2dx using the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality. The user initially sets g(x) = cos(x) and calculates the integral of cos^2(x), resulting in an expression involving pi/2. The solution is clarified by suggesting a different inner product, defined as = \int f(x)g(x)cos(x)dx, which aligns with the original problem's requirements.

PREREQUISITES
  • Cauchy-Schwarz inequality in integral form
  • Understanding of inner products in functional analysis
  • Basic knowledge of trigonometric integrals
  • Familiarity with integral calculus
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality in functional spaces
  • Explore different definitions of inner products in Hilbert spaces
  • Learn techniques for evaluating trigonometric integrals
  • Investigate the implications of integral inequalities in mathematical analysis
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Mathematics students, particularly those studying analysis and inequalities, as well as educators looking to enhance their understanding of integral inequalities and the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality.

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Homework Statement



Hi,

I must show that (\int cos(x)f(x)dx)^2 <= 2 \int cos(x)f(x)^2dx
(the integrals are from -pi/2 to pi/2)

The Attempt at a Solution



I know that I should use cauchey-schwarz inequality to solve this where <f,g> = \int f(x)g(x)dx In this case i just set g(x) = cos x
Therefore i get
(\int cos(x)f(x)dx)^2 <= \int f(x)^2dx \int cos^2(x)dx I calculated then integral of cos^2(x) which is 1/2(x + sin(2x)/2) since cos^2(x) = (1 + cos(2x))/2

However this leaves me with pi/2 to get:
(\int cos(x)f(x)dx)^2 <= pi/2 \int f(x)^2dx

Howcome I am not getting the same answer as the one I should be proving, why does the question have a cos in the integral?

Thank you
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Use a different inner product. Define <f,g> to be the integral of f(x)*g(x)*cos(x)*dx.
 

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