# convexity proof of a function including ln and sums

$$f(x_1,\dots,x_n)=\sum\limits_{i=1}^nx_i\ln x_i-\left(\sum\limits_{i=1}^nx_i\right)\ln\left(\sum\limits_{i=1}^nx_i\right)\rightarrow R_{++}^n$$

How can I prove this is convex on $R_{++}^n$? I tried using the Hessian and couldn't prove it. There is a solution using the gradient and Jensen but very long and complicated.

• Hello, welcome to Math Stack Exchange. To get the best answers at your level, learn most, and prevent people form giving hints, please include your attempt – what have you tried using Hessian? You can edit your post to include this. – wythagoras May 14 '15 at 9:36
• For instance, why don't you share the Hessian with us. Others might see the crucian final step of proving positive semidefiniteness. – Michael Grant May 14 '15 at 12:25
• Also asked here. math.stackexchange.com/questions/1281612/… – Michael Grant May 14 '15 at 19:07

Taking the Hessian gives $$\frac{\partial^2}{\partial x_j\partial x_k}f(x) =\overbrace{\begin{bmatrix} \frac1{x_1}&0&0&\cdots&0\\ 0&\frac1{x_2}&0&\cdots&0\\ 0&0&\frac1{x_3}&\cdots&0\\ \vdots&\vdots&\vdots&\ddots&\vdots\\ 0&0&0&\cdots&\frac1{x_n} \end{bmatrix}}^{\small\displaystyle\frac{\partial^2}{\partial x_j\partial x_k}\sum_{i=1}^nx_i\log(x_i)} -\overbrace{\frac1{\sum\limits_{i=1}^nx_i} \begin{bmatrix} 1&1&1&\cdots&1\\ 1&1&1&\cdots&1\\ 1&1&1&\cdots&1\\ \vdots&\vdots&\vdots&\ddots&\vdots\\ 1&1&1&\cdots&1 \end{bmatrix}\vphantom{\begin{bmatrix}\frac1{x_1}\\\frac1{x_1}\\\frac1{x_1}\\\vdots\\\frac1{x_1}\end{bmatrix}}}^{\small\displaystyle\frac{\partial^2}{\partial x_j\partial x_k}\left(\sum_{i=1}^nx_i\right)\log\left(\sum_{i=1}^nx_i\right)}$$ Thus, by Hölder's Inequality, \begin{align} u^T\frac{\partial^2}{\partial x_j\partial x_k}f(x)u &=\sum_{i=1}^n\frac{u_i^2}{x_i} -\frac{\left(\sum\limits_{i=1}^nu_i\right)^2}{\sum\limits_{i=1}^nx_i}\\ &=\frac1{\sum\limits_{i=1}^nx_i}\left(\sum_{i=1}^nx_i\sum_{i=1}^n\frac{u_i^2}{x_i}-\left(\sum\limits_{i=1}^nu_i\right)^2\right)\\ &\ge0 \end{align} The Hessian Matrix is positive semi-definite, so $f$ is convex.