How can I test for positive semi-definiteness in matrices?

  • #1
Trollfaz
137
14
On a side note I'm posting on PF more frequently as I have exams coming and I need some help to understand some concepts. After my exams I will probably go inactive for a while.
So I'll get to the point. Suppose we have a matrix A and I wish to check if it is positive semi definite. So one easy way is to see if all it's eigenvalues are ##\ge 0##.
Another way is to test using the definition of PSD
$$v^T Av\ge 0\ v \in R^n$$
But sometimes things get really messy when I try to test a matrix with arbitrary parameters say I'm testing ##\triangledown ^2 f(x)## for PSD to check if f(x) is convex. Is there any other ways to prove for PSD in a matrix
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Do you have a specific example of a problem you're stuck trying to solve? I don't think there's any general principle beyond what you listed but an example might spark some specific insight or just help demonstrate how to use the definition to check.
 

Similar threads

  • Linear and Abstract Algebra
Replies
1
Views
831
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
838
  • Linear and Abstract Algebra
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • Linear and Abstract Algebra
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • Linear and Abstract Algebra
Replies
12
Views
1K
  • Linear and Abstract Algebra
Replies
4
Views
9K
  • Linear and Abstract Algebra
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • Linear and Abstract Algebra
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • Linear and Abstract Algebra
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Linear and Abstract Algebra
Replies
17
Views
18K
Back
Top