Convex Analysis And Beyond

This book presents a unified theory of convex functions, sets, and set-valued mappings in topological vector spaces with its specifications to locally convex, Banach and finite-dimensional settings. These developments and expositions are based on the powerful geometric approach of variational analysis, which resides on set extremality with its characterizations and specifications in the presence of convexity. Using this approach, the text consolidates the device of fundamental facts of generalized differential calculus to obtain novel results for convex sets, functions, and set-valued mappings in finite and infinite dimensions. It also explores topics beyond convexity using the fundamental machinery of convex analysis to develop nonconvex generalized differentiation and its applications. The text utilizes an adaptable framework designed with researchers as well as multiple levels of students in mind. It includes many exercises and figures suited to graduate classes in mathematical sciences that are also accessible to advanced students in economics, engineering, and other applications. In addition, it includes chapters on convex analysis and optimization in finite-dimensional spaces that will be useful to upper undergraduate students, whereas the work as a whole provides an ample resource to mathematicians and applied scientists, particularly experts in convex and variational analysis, optimization, and their applications.

From its origins in the minimization of integral functionals, the notion of variations has evolved greatly in connection with applications in optimization, equilibrium, and control. This book develops a unified framework and provides a detailed exposition of variational geometry and subdifferential calculus in their current forms beyond classical and convex analysis. Also covered are set-convergence, set-valued mappings, epi-convergence, duality, and normal integrands.

Convexity is an ancient idea going back to Archimedes. Used sporadically in the mathematical literature over the centuries, today it is a flourishing area of research and a mathematical subject in its own right. Convexity is used in optimization theory, functional analysis, complex analysis, and other parts of mathematics. Convex Analysis introduces analytic tools for studying convexity and provides analytical applications of the concept. The book includes a general background on classical geometric theory which allows readers to obtain a glimpse of how modern mathematics is developed and how geometric ideas may be studied analytically. Featuring a user-friendly approach, the book contains copious examples and plenty of figures to illustrate the ideas presented. It also includes an appendix with the technical tools needed to understand certain arguments in the book, a tale of notation, and a thorough glossary to help readers with unfamiliar terms. This book is a definitive introductory text to the concept of convexity in the context of mathematical analysis and a suitable resource for students and faculty alike.

Convex optimization has an increasing impact on many areas of mathematics, applied sciences, and practical applications. It is now being taught at many universities and being used by researchers of different fields. As convex analysis is the mathematical f

Convex optimization problems arise frequently in many different fields. This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the subject, and shows in detail how such problems can be solved numerically with great efficiency. The book begins with the basic elements of convex sets and functions, and then describes various classes of convex optimization problems. Duality and approximation techniques are then covered, as are statistical estimation techniques. Various geometrical problems are then presented, and there is detailed discussion of unconstrained and constrained minimization problems, and interior-point methods. The focus of the book is on recognizing convex optimization problems and then finding the most appropriate technique for solving them. It contains many worked examples and homework exercises and will appeal to students, researchers and practitioners in fields such as engineering, computer science, mathematics, statistics, finance and economics.

Intended for a wide range of readers, this book covers the main ideas of convex analysis and approximation theory. The author discusses the sources of these two trends in mathematical analysis, develops the main concepts and results, and mentions some beautiful theorems. The relationship of convex analysis to optimization problems, to the calculus of variations, to optimal control and to geometry is considered, and the evolution of the ideas underlying approximation theory, from its origins to the present day, is discussed. The book is addressed both to students who want to acquaint themselves with these trends and to lecturers in mathematical analysis, optimization and numerical methods, as well as to researchers in these fields who would like to tackle the topic as a whole and seek inspiration for its further development.

An insightful, concise, and rigorous treatment of the basic theory of convex sets and functions in finite dimensions, and the analytical/geometrical foundations of convex optimization and duality theory. Convexity theory is first developed in a simple accessible manner, using easily visualized proofs. Then the focus shifts to a transparent geometrical line of analysis to develop the fundamental duality between descriptions of convex functions in terms of points, and in terms of hyperplanes. Finally, convexity theory and abstract duality are applied to problems of constrained optimization, Fenchel and conic duality, and game theory to develop the sharpest possible duality results within a highly visual geometric framework. This on-line version of the book, includes an extensive set of theoretical problems with detailed high-quality solutions, which significantly extend the range and value of the book. The book may be used as a text for a theoretical convex optimization course; the author has taught several variants of such a course at MIT and elsewhere over the last ten years. It may also be used as a supplementary source for nonlinear programming classes, and as a theoretical foundation for classes focused on convex optimization models (rather than theory). It is an excellent supplement to several of our books: Convex Optimization Algorithms (Athena Scientific, 2015), Nonlinear Programming (Athena Scientific, 2017), Network Optimization(Athena Scientific, 1998), Introduction to Linear Optimization (Athena Scientific, 1997), and Network Flows and Monotropic Optimization (Athena Scientific, 1998).

This textbook offers graduate students a concise introduction to the classic notions of convex optimization. Written in a highly accessible style and including numerous examples and illustrations, it presents everything readers need to know about convexity and convex optimization. The book introduces a systematic three-step method for doing everything, which can be summarized as "conify, work, deconify". It starts with the concept of convex sets, their primal description, constructions, topological properties and dual description, and then moves on to convex functions and the fundamental principles of convex optimization and their use in the complete analysis of convex optimization problems by means of a systematic four-step method. Lastly, it includes chapters on alternative formulations of optimality conditions and on illustrations of their use. "The author deals with the delicate subjects in a precise yet light-minded spirit... For experts in the field, this book not only offers a unifying view, but also opens a door to new discoveries in convexity and optimization...perfectly suited for classroom teaching." Shuzhong Zhang, Professor of Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Minnesota