Using the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality to prove all real values for a, b, and theta

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around using the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality to prove a mathematical statement involving real values of a, b, and theta (θ). The specific inequality being examined is (a cosθ + b sinθ)² ≤ a² + b².

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to identify the vectors u and v in the context of the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality. There are questions about how to express the inequality in \mathbb{R}² and the definitions of inner products and norms in that space.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the definitions and components of the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality. Some participants are providing clarifications on the mathematical expressions, while others express uncertainty about their understanding and seek further guidance.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating through the definitions and applications of the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality, with some expressing concern about not wanting to receive direct answers. There is a mix of attempts to clarify mathematical concepts and expressions related to the problem.

sam0617
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Homework Statement


Use the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality to prove that for all real values of a, b, and theta (which ill denote as θ),
(a cosθ + b sinθ)2 ≤ a2 + b2



Homework Equations


so the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality is | < u,v>| ≤ ||u|| ||v||



The Attempt at a Solution



I'm having a difficult time figuring out what is my u and my v. Sorry for the stupid question.

Thank you for any guidance.
 
Last edited:
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What is <u,v> and ||u|| in \mathbb{R}^2??

Can you rewrite the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality in \mathbb{R}^2??
 
micromass said:
What is <u,v> and ||u|| in \mathbb{R}^2??

Can you rewrite the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality in \mathbb{R}^2??

<u,v> in R2 would be u1v1 + u2v2 I believe..

and ||u|| in R2 is √u2

I'm terribly sorry but I'm not sure what you're trying to get at. I know and I also don't want to be spoon fed the answer.
 
sam0617 said:
<u,v> in R2 would be u1v1 + u2v2 I believe..

Good

and ||u|| in R2 is √u2

No, that would be \sqrt{u_1^2+u_2^2}.

Anybody, do you recognize something like u_1v_1+u_2v_2 in your OP??
 
micromass said:
Good



No, that would be \sqrt{u_1^2+u_2^2}.

Anybody, do you recognize something like u_1v_1+u_2v_2 in your OP??

I see that a2 + b2 would be
a12a12+b12b12
 
Can you write out

&lt;u,v&gt;^2\leq \|u\|^2\|v\|^2

??

Just write out what <u,v> and ||u|| mean...
 
micromass said:
Can you write out

&lt;u,v&gt;^2\leq \|u\|^2\|v\|^2

??

Just write out what <u,v> and ||u|| mean...

Sorry, I think you're losing patience with me but I did what you asked and here it is.
Please correct me if I'm incorrect.

<u,v>2≤∥u∥2∥v∥2
= (u1v1+u2
v2)(u1v1+u2
v2) ≤ √(u12+ u22) √(v12 + v22)
 
Well, thanks anyway. I got help from the wonderful people at yahoo answers. Thank you for trying to work with me.
 

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