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Exercise 1846Linear algebra › Quadratic formsL1Added 3 Nov 2026

Comparison of two quadratic forms

#comparison#positive definite#inequalities

Statement

Let Q(x,y)=x2+2xy+2y2Q(x,y)=x^2+2xy+2y^2 and R(x,y)=2x2+2y2R(x,y)=2x^2+2y^2. Show that Q(x,y)≤R(x,y)Q(x,y)\le R(x,y) for all (x,y)∈R2(x,y)\in\mathbb{R}^2.

Hint

Compute R−QR-Q and show it is positive.

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Solution

Difference.
R−Q=(2x2+2y2)−(x2+2xy+2y2)=x2−2xy.R-Q = (2x^2+2y^2)-(x^2+2xy+2y^2)=x^2-2xy.
Complete the square: x2−2xy=(x−y)2−y2x^2-2xy=(x-y)^2-y^2, which is not always ≥0\ge0. So the direct difference is not obviously positive. Instead:

Alternative. Compare with eigenvalues. QQ has matrix AQ=(1112)A_Q=\begin{pmatrix}1&1\\1&2\end{pmatrix}, eigenvalues (3±5)/2(3\pm\sqrt5)/2. RR has matrix 2I2I, eigenvalues 22. The largest eigenvalue of AQA_Q is (3+5)/2≈2.618>2(3+\sqrt5)/2\approx2.618>2, so Q≤RQ\le R is false in general.

Counterexample. At (x,y)=(1,−1)(x,y)=(1,-1): Q=1−2+2=1Q=1-2+2=1 and R=2+2=4R=2+2=4, so Q<RQ<R. At (x,y)=(1,1)(x,y)=(1,1): Q=1+2+2=5Q=1+2+2=5 and R=4R=4, so Q>RQ>R.

Conclusion. The inequality Q≤RQ\le R is false in general. The largest eigenvalue of QQ's matrix exceeds 22.