Exercise 1846Linear algebra › Quadratic formsL1Added 3 Nov 2026
Comparison of two quadratic forms
#comparison#positive definite#inequalities
Statement
Let and . Show that for all .
Hint
Compute and show it is positive.
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Solution
Difference.
Complete the square: , which is not always . So the direct difference is not obviously positive. Instead:
Alternative. Compare with eigenvalues. has matrix , eigenvalues . has matrix , eigenvalues . The largest eigenvalue of is , so is false in general.
Counterexample. At : and , so . At : and , so .
Conclusion. The inequality is false in general. The largest eigenvalue of 's matrix exceeds .