Open interval or Closed interval in defining convex function

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the definition of convex functions, specifically whether convexity should be defined on open intervals, closed intervals, or both. The scope includes theoretical aspects of convexity in mathematics and its implications in various contexts.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that the Korean textbook standard defines convexity using open intervals, while many other textbooks use closed intervals.
  • The same participant argues that defining convexity on open intervals is more appropriate, citing that the line segment connecting two points should be above the curve, which implies not including endpoints.
  • Another participant suggests that it is reasonable to define convexity on open, closed, and half-open intervals, referencing a Wikipedia article that discusses convex functions in a more general context without specifying interval types.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether convexity should be defined on open or closed intervals, indicating multiple competing views remain on the topic.

Contextual Notes

There is a lack of clarity regarding the implications of using different types of intervals in the definition of convex functions, and the discussion does not resolve the mathematical nuances involved.

junyoung
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Open interval or Closed interval in defining convex function. I think it is proper not to include the end point because of its definition. Your opinion??
The Korean textbook standard defines the convexity of the function as an open section. Many textbooks and university calculus textbooks define the convexity of the curve as an open section. However, some textbooks define convexity as closed sections.
Do you think it is right to define the convexity for the open section or for the closed section?

The definition of convex function: Consider a function y = f (x), which is assumed to be continuous on the interval [a, b]. The function y = f (x) is called convex downward (or concave upward) if for any two points x1 and x2 in [a, b], the following inequality holds: f{(x1+x2)/2}≤{f(x1)+f(x2)}2. If this inequality is strict for any x1, x2 ∈ [a, b], such that x1 ≠ x2, then the function f (x) is called strictly convex downward on the interval [a, b].

I think open interval is more close to answer. Because the definition of convex function is ‘a function f(x) is said to be convex at an interval [a,b] for all pairs of points on the f(x) graph, the line segment that connects these two end points passes above f(x) the curve.’ Definition of word above is ‘in a higher position than something else.’(Cambridge Dictionary) So I think it is proper not to include the end point.

Tell me how do you think about this question.
 
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It seems perfectly reasonable to be able to define this property on open intervals, closed intervals and half open intervals. Wikipedia at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convex_function uses the more general context of a vector space and defines it on a convex set; no reference to open or closed.
 
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Thread closed temporarily for Moderation...
 
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Thread reopened after merging multiple thread starts. @junyoung -- Please do not make multiple copies of your thread. If you want your thread moved, click the Report button to ask the Mentors to move it. Thank you.
 
berkeman said:
Thread reopened after merging multiple thread starts. @junyoung -- Please do not make multiple copies of your thread. If you want your thread moved, click the Report button to ask the Mentors to move it. Thank you.
Thank you, it was my first time to write article so there was some miss. I will keep in my mind.
 
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