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$V$ denotes real vector space $V$ consisting of all polynomials with real coefficients/any degree so $V$ is infinite dimensional. A symmetric bilinear form is defined on V by

$(f,g) = \int_0^\infty f(x)g(x)e^{-x} dx$

i) State briefly why this is positive definite on $V$ (may quote any general property of real integrals).

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    Hint: a definite integral of a nonnegative function is non-negative.2012-04-24

1 Answers 1

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A bilinear form $b$ is positive definite if $b(v,v) > 0$ if $v \neq 0$.

So you want to show that $(p,p) = \int_0^\infty p^2(x) e^{-x} dx > 0$ for $p(x) \neq 0$.