Convex

Let V be a linear space (aka vector space) over R (or, more generally although not usefully, any ordered field). A subset X⊂V is called convex iff for all a,b∈X the entire segment [a,b] = {ta + (1-t)b | 0<=t<=1} ⊂ X.

That is, if X contains 2 points, it also contains every point between them.

Convex sets are much "better behaved" than arbitrary sets. One useful property is that the boundary of a convex set in Rⁿ must be continuous, and, although not smooth, has a directional derivative. And if it has a second derivative, the second derivative is positive semidefinite (for n=2, that essentially means >=0; for n>2, that means locally like a ball, not like a saddle).

A function f:X→R is convex iff the shape above its graph is convex. A convex function R→R must be continuous. It always has both one sided derivatives satisfying f_-'(x) <= f₊'(x), and each derivative is monotone increasing. It follows that it's derivable apart from at most countably many points, and that the derivative is an increasing function. Note that it needn't have a derivative at every point, and that even if it does, it needn't have a second derivative. But if it does, then the second derivative must be nonnegative.

We can define similarly for functions f:X→R, where X⊆Rⁿ is a convex set.

Con"vex (?), a. [L. convexus vaulted, arched, convex, concave, fr. convehere to bring together: cf. F. convexe. See Vehicle.]

Rising or swelling into a spherical or rounded form; regularly protuberant or bulging; -- said of a spherical surface or curved line when viewed from without, in opposition to concave.

Drops of water naturally form themselves into figures with a convex surface.
Whewell.

Double convex, convex on both sides; convexo-convex.

© Webster 1913.

Con"vex, n.

A convex body or surface.

Half heaven's convex glitters with the flame.
Tickell.

This word was often pronounced con-vex' by early writers, as by Milton, and occasionally by later poets.

© Webster 1913.