An operator inequality and its consequences (Q2637173)

Let \(\mathbb B(\mathcal H)\) denote the \(C^*\)-algebra of all bounded linear operators on a complex Hilbert space~\(\mathcal H\), let \(f\) be a continuous convex function on an interval~\(J\), and let \(A,B,C,D\in\mathbb B(\mathcal H)\) be self-adjoint with spectra in~\(J\). Assume that \(A+D=B+C\) and that there are real numbers \(m<M\) satisfying \(A\leq m\leq B\), \(C\leq M\leq D\). The authors prove that, if \(\Phi\) is a unital and positive linear operator on \(\mathbb B(\mathcal H)\), then \[ f(\Phi(B))+f(\Phi(C))\leq\Phi(f(A))+\Phi(f(D)). \] As applications, they obtain several inequalities, including the Jensen-Mercer operator inequality (see \textit{A. Matković} et al. [Linear Algebra Appl. 418, No. 2--3, 551--564 (2006; Zbl 1105.47017)]) and the Petrović operator inequality (see \textit{J. E. Pečarić} et al. [Convex functions, partial orderings, and statistical applications. Boston, MA etc.: Academic Press (1992; Zbl 0749.26004)], p.\,152).