Majorization via generalized Hessenberg matrices (Q1124884)

A construction of generalized Hessenberg matrices by combination of those of lower orders is described. It is shown on the basis of this construction that for \(n\)-vectors \(\mathbf x\) and \(\mathbf y\), whose components are arranged in nonincreasing order, \(\mathbf x\) is majorized by \(\mathbf y\) if and only if there exists a doubly stochastic matrix \(A\) of order \(n\) with \(\mathbf x\)=\(A\)\(\mathbf y\) whose support is a permutation similar to a direct sum of generalized Hessenberg matrices. A graph theoretical description of generalized Hessenberg matrices is given and limits for the number of positive entries of \(A\) are shown.