Proving Convexity of the Set X = {(x, y) E R^2; ax + by <= c} in R^2

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around proving the convexity of the set X = {(x, y) ∈ R²; ax + by ≤ c} in R², as presented in a vector space context. Participants explore the definition of convex sets and the application of inequalities to demonstrate this property.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about how to prove that the set X is convex using the definition provided in their book.
  • Another participant suggests multiplying the inequalities by (1-t) and t, respectively, and then adding them to facilitate the proof.
  • There is a reiteration of the approach to show that the linear combination of points u and v remains within the set defined by the inequality.
  • Participants discuss the need to apply the definition of convexity directly to the points in question to verify the property.
  • One participant confirms understanding after receiving guidance on how to express the inequality for the convex combination of points.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion does not present a consensus, as participants are working through the proof and clarifying steps rather than reaching a final conclusion.

Contextual Notes

Some participants may have missing assumptions regarding the properties of the inequalities or the specific definitions of convexity being used. The discussion reflects an ongoing exploration of the proof rather than a resolved argument.

bonildo
Messages
14
Reaction score
1
This exercise is located in the vector space chapter of my book that's why I am posting it here.
Recently started with this kind of exercise, proof like exercises and I am a little bit lost
Proof that given a, b, c real numbers, the set X = {(x, y) E R^2; ax + by <= c} ´is convex at R^2

the definition of convex set in the book is given like that: u, v E X => [u, v] C X
and [u,v]={ (1-t)u+tv ; 0<=t<=1}Didnt do much, just that :
u=(x1,y1) and ax1+by1<c
v=(x2,y2) and ax2+by2<c

and that [u,v]={(1-t)x1+tx2,(1-t)y1+ty2)}
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Okay, you have ##ax_1+by_1\leq c## and ##ax_2+by_2\leq c##. Try multiplying the two inequalities by ##1-t## and ##t##, respectively, and then adding.
 
Infrared said:
Okay, you have ##ax_1+by_1\leq c## and ##ax_2+by_2\leq c##. Try multiplying the two inequalities by ##1-t## and ##t##, respectively, and then adding.

Ok, got to a((1-t)x1+tx2)+b((1-t)y1+ty2)<=c . But why it proof that X is convex ?
 
You just have to try to apply the exact definition of convex to the two arbitrary points of the set defined by that inequality. This will test whether you actually understand what that definition is saying.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: bonildo
You're trying to show that ##(1-t)u+tv## is in the half-plane ##ax+by\leq c##. You also have ##(1-t)u+tv=((1-t)x_1+tx_2,(1-t)y_1+ty_2).## So, you're trying to show that ##a\left((1-t)x_1+tx_2\right)+b\left((1-t)y_1+ty_2\right)\leq c.## But this is the inequality you just wrote

bonildo said:
Ok, got to a((1-t)x1+tx2)+b((1-t)y1+ty2)<=c . But why it proof that X is convex ?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: bonildo
Infrared said:
You're trying to show that ##(1-t)u+tv## is in the half-plane ##ax+by\leq c##. You also have ##(1-t)u+tv=((1-t)x_1+tx_2,(1-t)y_1+ty_2).## So, you're trying to show that ##a\left((1-t)x_1+tx_2\right)+b\left((1-t)y_1+ty_2\right)\leq c.## But this is the inequality you just wrote
got it , thanks
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
6K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K