# Chebyshev–Markov–Stieltjes inequalities

In mathematical analysis, the Chebyshev–Markov–Stieltjes inequalities are inequalities related to the problem of moments that were formulated in the 1880s by Pafnuty Chebyshev and proved independently by Andrey Markov and (somewhat later) by Thomas Jan Stieltjes.[1] Informally, they provide sharp bounds on a measure from above and from below in terms of its first moments.

## Formulation

Given m0,...,m2m-1R, consider the collection C of measures μ on R such that

$\int x^k d\mu(x) = m_k$

for k = 0,1,...,2m − 1 (and in particular the integral is defined and finite).

Let P0,P1, ...,Pm be the first m + 1 orthogonal polynomials with respect to μC, and let ξ1,...ξm be the zeros of Pm. It is not hard to see that the polynomials P0,P1, ...,Pm-1 and the numbers ξ1,...ξm are the same for every μC, and therefore are determined uniquely by m0,...,m2m-1.

Denote

$\rho_{m-1}(z) = 1 \Big/ \sum_{k=0}^{m-1} |P_k(z)|^2$.

Theorem For j = 1,2,...,m, and any μC,

$\mu(-\infty, \xi_j] \leq \rho_{m-1}(\xi_1) + \cdots + \rho_{m-1}(\xi_j) \leq \mu(-\infty,\xi_{j+1}).$

## References

1. ^ Akhiezer, N.I. (1965). The Classical Moment Problem and Some Related Questions in Analysis. Oliver & Boyd.