Use Schwarz inequality to prove triangle inequality

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves using the Schwarz inequality to prove the triangle inequality for vectors, specifically showing that the square of the norm of the sum of two vectors is less than or equal to the square of the sum of their norms.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to connect the concept of the Schwarz inequality with the triangle inequality but expresses difficulty in seeing the connection. Some participants suggest starting by expanding the left-hand side of the inequality and applying the Schwarz inequality to reach the right-hand side.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes attempts to clarify the relationship between the Schwarz inequality and the triangle inequality. Some guidance has been offered regarding the expansion of the expression, but there is no explicit consensus on the approach yet.

Contextual Notes

There is a question about the educational context, specifically the school and grade level of the original poster, which may influence the understanding of the concepts involved.

Dafe
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Homework Statement



Use Schwarz inequality on [tex]\bar{v} \bullet \bar{w}[/tex] to prove:

[tex]||\bar{v} + \bar{w}||^2 \leq (||\bar{v}|| + ||\bar{w}||)^2[/tex]

Homework Equations



Schwarz inequality:
[tex]|\bar{v} \bullet \bar{w}| \leq ||\bar{v}|| ||\bar{w}||[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



The way I understand Schwarz inequality is that the product of two unit vectors can not exceed one.
The problem asks me to use that fact to prove that the length of the sum of two vectors does not exceed the sum of the length of two vectors.

I am unable to see a connection, and would appreciate it if someone could push me in the right direction.

Thank you.
 
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start by multiplying out the left hand side then use schcwarz to get to right hand side
 
[tex]||\bar{v} + \bar{w}||^2 = \bar{v} \bullet \bar{v} + 2\bar{v} \bullet \bar{w} + \bar{w} \bullet \bar{w} \leq ||\bar{v}||^2 + 2||\bar{v}|| ||\bar{w}|| + ||\bar{w}||^2 = (||\bar{v}|| + ||\bar{w}||)^2[/tex]

I think I see the Schwarz in there :)

Thank you lanedance.
 
which school and which grade?
 

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