Convexity of relative entropy in its first argument

ID: convexity-of-relative-entropy-in-its-first-argument

For a fixed probability mass function on a finite alphabet, relative entropy is a convex function of its first probability mass function. For , the coordinate function has on and extends continuously with . Applying scalar convexity coordinate by coordinate proves the inequality. If , finite relative entropy requires for every positive-weight constituent; otherwise the right side is infinite. Thus the assertion also holds as an extended-valued convexity statement. On the probability simplex supported where , the function is strictly convex: two distinct probability mass functions give a strict inequality for .

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