# Proving a Set is Convex

WilcoRogers

## Homework Statement

Using the definition of a convex set, show that the set in R^2
$\{(x,y) \in R^2 \colon y \ge 1/x, x\ge 0\}$

## Homework Equations

An object is convex if for every pair of points within the object, every point on the straight line segment that joins them is also within the object.

## The Attempt at a Solution

I know the solution involves playing with inequalities, I just don't know how to set this one up. Any help is appreciated.

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Dearly Missed

## Homework Statement

Using the definition of a convex set, show that the set in R^2
$\{(x,y) \in R^2 \colon y \ge 1/x, x\ge 0\}$

## Homework Equations

An object is convex if for every pair of points within the object, every point on the straight line segment that joins them is also within the object.

## The Attempt at a Solution

I know the solution involves playing with inequalities, I just don't know how to set this one up. Any help is appreciated.

Call the given set S. Suppose ##(x_1,y_1) \in S \text{ and } (x_2,y_2) \in S.## First write out in detail what these statements mean, then go on from there.

RGV

WilcoRogers
Call the given set S. Suppose ##(x_1,y_1) \in S \text{ and } (x_2,y_2) \in S.## First write out in detail what these statements mean, then go on from there.

RGV

I know that we can say $y_1\ge 1/x_1$ and $y_2\ge 1/x_2$, and that we can add those constraints, but they don't get me anywhere. I know that I have to show, somehow that $(1-\lambda)P_1 + \lambda P_2$ is also in the set. I just don't know how to set up the proof and inequalities, or how that whole thing works. I very much understand the idea of convexity, i'm just very shaky on the process of actually taking a function and showing it's convex, algebraically.

Homework Helper
Dearly Missed
I know that we can say $y_1\ge 1/x_1$ and $y_2\ge 1/x_2$, and that we can add those constraints, but they don't get me anywhere. I know that I have to show, somehow that $(1-\lambda)P_1 + \lambda P_2$ is also in the set. I just don't know how to set up the proof and inequalities, or how that whole thing works. I very much understand the idea of convexity, i'm just very shaky on the process of actually taking a function and showing it's convex, algebraically.

Do you know some simple characterizations of a convex function? For example, is the function f(x) = 1/x convex in the region {x > 0}? How do you know? If you were able to say one way or another that f(x) is or is not convex, would that help you solve the original problem?

RGV

Homework Helper
EDIT : Even better try using what RGV said.

If you SHOW that both (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) are BOTH in your set S and the line you draw between them is still also inside your set, then the set is convex.

Last edited:
WilcoRogers
Do you know some simple characterizations of a convex function? For example, is the function f(x) = 1/x convex in the region {x > 0}? How do you know? If you were able to say one way or another that f(x) is or is not convex, would that help you solve the original problem?

RGV

Well i know the function is convex on that region, intuitively, because of how it looks. I know the definition of a convex line, but I can't show it. I feel, given the nature of this problem, the answer is staring me in the face, but I can't seem to get an algebraic statement that makes sense.

Homework Helper
Well i know the function is convex on that region, intuitively, because of how it looks. I know the definition of a convex line, but I can't show it. I feel, given the nature of this problem, the answer is staring me in the face, but I can't seem to get an algebraic statement that makes sense.

Edited my last post.

WilcoRogers
EDIT : Even better try using what RGV said.

If you SHOW that both (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) are BOTH in your set S. That means you can draw a straight line between them which is entirely contained in the set, does it not?

Uhh not if the set has a hole in the middle... then it's not convex.

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Uhh not if the set has a hole in the middle... then it's not convex.

Sorry i had a hiccup there, i also meant to say your line is also contained within the set.

So start by showing you have two points in the set, and then assume that some straight line y = mx also fits the constraints of your set and will join them together.