Proving a symmetric Cauchy matrix is positive semidefinite

cauchy-matriceslinear algebramatricespositive-semidefinite

Let $x_1, x_2,\dots, x_n$ be positive real numbers. Let $A$ be the $n\times n$ matrix whose $i,j^\text{th}$ entry is $$a_{ij}=\frac{1}{x_i+x_j}.$$

This is a Cauchy matrix. I am trying to show that this matrix is positive semi-definite.

I have been given the following hint: Consider the matrix $T=(t^{x_i+x_j})$ where $t>0$. Use the fact that $T$ is positive semi-definite and that $$\frac{1}{x_i+x_j}=\int_0^1t^{x_i+x_j-1}dt.$$

I have managed to show that $T$ is positive semi-definite but I don't understand where to go from there or how to use the rest of the hint.

I would like another way to do this, preferably without involving integrals

Thank you.

Best Answer

Hint (without integrals): Let $X=\operatorname{diag}(x_1,x_2,\ldots,x_n)$ and $e$ be the vector of all ones.

  1. Prove that the Cauchy matrix $C$ satisfies the equation $$ XC+CX=ee^T. $$
  2. For any eigenvalue $\lambda$ of $C$ with $Cv=\lambda v$, pre-multiply the equation by $v^T$ and post-multiply by $v$. Conclude that $\lambda\ge 0$.
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