Cauchy–Schwarz inequality

Problem: |⟨x,y⟩| ≤ ‖x‖·‖y‖ in ℝⁿ

Provide two vectors. We compute ⟨x,y⟩, norms, explain why the inequality holds, and run checks.

Answer

⟨x,y⟩
‖x‖
‖y‖
‖x‖·‖y‖
Slack (bound − |⟨x,y⟩|)
Verdict

Reason Why

For any real t, ‖x − t y‖² ≥ 0 expands to ‖x‖² − 2t⟨x,y⟩ + t²‖y‖² ≥ 0. The discriminant is ≤ 0, hence (2⟨x,y⟩)² ≤ 4‖x‖²‖y‖², i.e. |⟨x,y⟩| ≤ ‖x‖‖y‖. Equality holds iff x and y are linearly dependent (x = λy).

Check (harness)