123. Semi-Definiteness

123.1. Positive/Negative Definite/Indefinite/Semidefinite Matrices

Let be any nonzero vector. Look at the quadratic form:

Definition Eigen Values Geometry
Positive
Definite
Min
(bowl-shaped)
Negative
Definite
Max
(inverted bowl)
Positive
Semidefinite
Min
but flat in some directions
Negative
Semidefinite
Max
but flat in some directions
Indefinite some
some
some
some
Saddle
Up in some directions
Down in others