Two extensions to Finsler's recurring theorem
The author generalizes two known theorems. He shows (1) Let \(f:{\mathbb R}^n\to{\mathbb R}\) and \(g:{\mathbb R}^n\to{\mathbb R}^k\) be quadratic forms, with \(1\leq k\leq n,\) such that \(G(\xi,\cdot):{\mathbb R}^n\to{\mathbb R}^k\) is surjective for every \(\xi\neq 0,\) where \(G\) is the bilinear form associated with \(g.\) Suppose that \(f(\xi)>0\) for every \(\xi\neq 0\) with \(g(\xi)=0.\) Then there exist an \((n-k+1)\)-dimensional subspace \(Y\subset{\mathbb R}^n\) and \(\lambda\in{\mathbb R}^k\) such that \(f-\lambda\cdot g>0\) on \(Y.\) (2) Let \(f\) and \(g\) be real quadratic forms on a real vector space \(X,\) with \(g\) indefinite. Then the following are equivalent: (i) \(f(\xi)\geq 0\) for every \(\xi\in X\) with \(g(\xi)=0;\) (ii) there exists \(\lambda\in{\mathbb R}\) such that \(f(\xi)-\lambda g(\xi)\geq 0\) for every \(\xi\in X.\) For \(\dim Y=n\) and \(k=1\) the first theorem is due to \textit{P. Finsler} [Comment. Math. Helv. 9, 188-192 (1937; Zbl 0016.19901)]. The second theorem was known for the special case that \(X\) is a Hilbert space.
scientific article; zbMATH DE number 1340508