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✓ 9 results · all verified · 2 also independently AI-judged
Every result on this page is machine-checked by a proof checker and read in full and owner-audited; the judge is an additional, independent cross-model AI review of the proofs. The 7 not AI-judged were verified by owner audit (typically over a confirmed judge false positive), not failures.

The Duality of Lp and Lq

1 · Prerequisites

2 · Summary

This page proves the Lp representation theorem concretely, without moving to abstract dual-space language before the later functional-analysis seam owns it. The route separates the easy pairing direction, the exact norm formula with its semifinite q=∞ endpoint, the finite-measure Radon-Nikodym carrier, the sigma-finite theorem, and the separate arbitrary-measure extension for 1<p<∞.

3 · Logical flowchart

4 · Definitions, theorems and proofs

DefinitionDefinition: Literature-sourcedProof: Not applicablejudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-09-01Open item page →

A bounded linear functional on Lp(μ) and its operator norm

Definition

Let (X,A,μ) be a measure space and let 1≤p<∞. A map Λ:Lp(μ)→R, is a bounded linear functional when it is linear and there exists C∈[0,∞) such that ∣Λ([f])∣≤C∥[f]∥p([f]∈Lp(μ)).

Its operator norm is ∥Λ∥:=sup⁡{ ∣Λ([f])∣:∥[f]∥p≤1 }.

Because Lp(μ) is a normed space by The Lp norm descends to the quotient and makes Lp a normed space for 1≤p≤∞, the unit ball is nonempty and the displayed supremum is over a well-defined subset of [0,∞]. When Λ is bounded, the defining inequality shows ∥Λ∥≤C.

TheoremStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-generatedverified 2026-09-26 (gpt-6-sol)Open item page →

Every g∈Lq(μ) defines a bounded linear functional on Lp(μ)

Statement

Let (X,A,μ) be a measure space, let 1≤p<∞, and let q be conjugate to p. For each g∈Lq(μ), the formula Λg([f]):=∫fg dμ defines a bounded linear functional on Lp(μ), and ∣Λg([f])∣≤∥[f]∥p∥g∥q([f]∈Lp(μ)). In particular, ∥Λg∥≤∥g∥q.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A measure space (X,A,μ), an exponent 1≤p<∞, its conjugate exponent q, an element g∈Lq(μ), and an element [f]∈Lp(μ).

[L1]

Elements of Lp(μ) are almost-everywhere equivalence classes of measurable representatives (The space Lp(μ) as the quotient by null functions).

[L2]

Holder's inequality gives ∫∣uv∣ dμ≤∥u∥p∥v∥q for measurable representatives u∈Lp(μ) and v∈Lq(μ) when both exponents are finite, with the corresponding L1--L∞ representative form at the endpoint (Holder's inequality for integrals, including the endpoint cases).

[L3]

Two integrable functions have the same integral whenever they are equal almost everywhere (Two integrable functions are equal almost everywhere exactly when all of their indefinite integrals agree).

[L4]

The Lebesgue integral is linear on L1(μ) (The Lebesgue integral is linear on L1(μ)).

Proof

technique · Use Holder to make the pairing integrable, then use almost-everywhere invariance of the integral to descend from representatives to $L^p$ classes
1.1L1L2given

Choose measurable representatives u of [f] and v of g. Then u∈Lp(μ); if q<∞ then v∈Lq(μ), while if q=∞ then v is an essentially bounded representative. Thus [L2] gives uv∈L1(μ) and ∣∫uv dμ∣≤∥u∥p∥v∥q=∥[f]∥p∥g∥q.

2.1L1L3step 1.1

If u′ is another representative of [f], then u=u′ almost everywhere. Hence uv=u′v almost everywhere. Since both products are integrable by step 1.1, [L3] gives ∫uv dμ=∫u′v dμ, so Λg([f]) is well defined on the class [f].

2.2L1L3step 1.1

If v′ is another representative of g, then v=v′ almost everywhere. Hence uv=uv′ almost everywhere. Since both products are integrable by step 1.1, [L3] gives ∫uv dμ=∫uv′ dμ, so Λg([f]) is independent of the chosen representative of g.

3.1step 1.1step 2.1step 2.2L4given

Let [f],[h]∈Lp(μ) and let a,b∈C. Choose representatives u,w. By step 2.1 we may compute with representatives, and complex linearity in [L4] gives Λg(a[f]+b[h])=∫(au+bw)v dμ=a∫uv dμ+b∫wv dμ=aΛg([f])+bΛg([h]). The estimate from step 1.1 also shows ∣Λg([f])∣≤∥[f]∥p∥g∥q, so Λg is complex linear and bounded.

4.1step 3.1given∎

The estimate in step 3.1 holds for every [f] with ∥[f]∥p≤1. Taking the supremum over the unit ball gives ∥Λg∥≤∥g∥q. Thus Λg is a bounded linear functional on Lp(μ).

PropositionStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-generatedverified 2026-09-26 (gpt-6-sol)Open item page →

The functional Λg has norm ∥g∥q; for q=∞ assume μ is semifinite

Statement

Let (X,A,μ) be a measure space, let 1≤p<∞, and let q be conjugate to p. For g∈Lq(μ), let Λg([f])=∫fg dμ. Then ∥Λg∥≤∥g∥q. If 1<p<∞, then equality holds: ∥Λg∥=∥g∥q. If p=1 and hence q=∞, the same equality holds provided μ is semifinite.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A measure space (X,A,μ), an exponent 1≤p<∞, its conjugate exponent q, and an element g∈Lq(μ).

[L1]

The pairing functional Λg is bounded and satisfies ∥Λg∥≤∥g∥q (Every g∈Lq(μ) defines a bounded linear functional on Lp(μ)).

[L2]

If 1<p<∞ and q is conjugate to p, then p(q−1)=q (Conjugate exponents, including the endpoint conventions).

[L3]

The essential supremum is the least essential bound: if M=∥g∥∞ and u is any measurable representative of g, then ∣u∣≤M almost everywhere. If M>0 and 0<ε<M, then the set {∣u∣>M−ε} has positive measure; otherwise M−ε would be a smaller essential bound (The essential supremum is attained as the least essential bound).

[L4]

In a semifinite measure space, every measurable set of positive measure contains a measurable subset of positive finite measure (Finite, sigma-finite, and semifinite measures).

Proof

technique · Use Holder for the upper bound. For $1<p<\infty$ test against the normalized extremizer with conjugate phase; for $p=1$ use a finite-measure subset of an almost-maximal level set, which is exactly where semifiniteness enters
1.1L1given

The upper bound ∥Λg∥≤∥g∥q is exactly [L1].

2.1step 1.1given

If g=0 in Lq(μ), then Λg=0 by definition, so ∥Λg∥=0=∥g∥q. Hence only the case g≠0 remains.

2.2L2step 1.1givenchooseconstruct

Assume 1<p<∞. Choose a representative u of g and define s(x):={u(x)‾/∣u(x)∣,u(x)≠0,0,u(x)=0,f(x):=∣u(x)∣q−1s(x)∥g∥qq−1. Then ∣f∣p=∣u∣q/∥g∥qq by [L2], so ∥[f]∥pp=1∥g∥qq∫∣u∣q dμ=1. Also fu=∣u∣q/∥g∥qq−1, so Λg([f])=1∥g∥qq−1∫∣u∣q dμ=∥g∥q. Therefore ∥Λg∥≥∥g∥q. Together with step 1.1, this gives ∥Λg∥=∥g∥q.

3.1L3L4step 1.1step 2.1givenchooseconstruct

Assume p=1, so q=∞, and assume μ is semifinite. Put M:=∥g∥∞. Step 2.1 leaves only g≠0, so M>0. Choose a representative u of g, and define s(x):={u(x)‾/∣u(x)∣,u(x)≠0,0,u(x)=0. For 0<ε<M, [L3] gives a measurable set Eε:={∣u∣>M−ε} of positive measure. By [L4], choose Fε⊆Eε with 0<μ(Fε)<∞, and set fε:=s1Fεμ(Fε). Then ∥[fε]∥1=1 and Λg([fε])=1μ(Fε)∫Fε∣u∣ dμ≥M−ε. Hence ∥Λg∥≥M−ε for every 0<ε<M, so ∥Λg∥≥M=∥g∥∞. Step 1.1 gives the reverse inequality, and therefore ∥Λg∥=∥g∥∞.

4.1step 1.1step 2.1step 2.2step 3.1∎

Step 2.2 proves the strict-exponent case, and step 3.1 proves the q=∞ endpoint under semifiniteness. Together with steps 1.1 and 2.1, this proves the proposition.

PropositionStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-generatedprecheck passjudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-09-01Open item page →

On a semifinite measure space, a representing Lq function is unique

Statement

Let (X,A,μ) be a semifinite measure space, let 1≤p<∞, and let q be conjugate to p. If g,h∈Lq(μ) satisfy ∫fg dμ=∫fh dμ([f]∈Lp(μ)), then g=h in Lq(μ). Equivalently, on a semifinite measure space a bounded functional on Lp(μ) has at most one representing Lq(μ) class.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A semifinite measure space (X,A,μ), an exponent 1≤p<∞, its conjugate exponent q, and g,h∈Lq(μ) such that ∫fg dμ=∫fh dμ for every [f]∈Lp(μ).

[L1]

On a semifinite measure space, ∥Λu∥=∥u∥q(u∈Lq(μ)) (The functional Λg has norm ∥g∥q; for q=∞ assume μ is semifinite).

[L2]

For finite exponents, the Lq norm is a genuine norm on the quotient space The Lp norm descends to the quotient and makes Lp a normed space for 1≤p≤∞.

[L3]

If ∥u∥∞=0, then ∣u∣≤0 almost everywhere, so u=0 almost everywhere (The essential supremum is attained as the least essential bound).

Proof

technique · Subtract the two representing functions, observe that the induced pairing is the zero functional, and use the norm formula for $\Lambda_g$ to force the difference to be the zero $L^q$ class
1.1givenalgebra

For every [f]∈Lp(μ), the assumption gives [given, algebra] Λg−h([f])=∫f(g−h) dμ=0. So Λg−h is the zero functional on Lp(μ).

2.1L1step 1.1

Applying [L1] to u=g−h yields [L1, step 1.1] ∥g−h∥q=∥Λg−h∥=0.

3.1L2L3step 2.1∎

If q<∞, [L2] says that zero Lq norm means the zero class, so [L2, L3, step 2.1] g=h in Lq(μ). If q=∞, then step 2.1 and [L3] give g=h almost everywhere. In either case the representing class is unique.

LemmaStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-generatedprecheck passjudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-09-01Open item page →

For 1≤p<∞, every Lp(μ) class has a sigma-finite essential support

Statement

Let (X,A,μ) be a measure space and let 1≤p<∞. For every element [f]∈Lp(μ) there is a measurable sigma-finite set S⊆X such that f=0 almost everywhere on X∖S.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A measure space (X,A,μ), an exponent 1≤p<∞, and a class [f]∈Lp(μ).

[L1]

Elements of Lp(μ) are almost-everywhere classes of measurable representatives (The space Lp(μ) as the quotient by null functions).

[L2]

Chebyshev-Markov gives μ({∣u∣p≥t})≤t−1∫∣u∣p dμ(t>0) (Chebyshev-Markov inequality for the integral).

[L3]

Sigma-finiteness means a countable union of finite-measure measurable sets (Finite, sigma-finite, and semifinite measures).

Proof

technique · Take a representative $u$ and use the level sets $\{|u|\ge1/n\}$. Chebyshev-Markov makes each level set finite-measure, and their union contains every point where $u\ne0$
1.1L1L2givenchooseconstruct

Choose a measurable representative u of [f] and, for each n≥1, [L1, L2, given, choose, construct] set En:={∣u∣≥1/n}={∣u∣p≥n−p}. Since u∈Lp(μ), [L2] gives μ(En)≤np∫∣u∣p dμ<∞. So every En has finite measure.

2.1L3step 1.1

Put [L3, step 1.1] S:=⋃n=1∞En. By step 1.1 and [L3], the set S is sigma-finite.

3.1step 2.1algebra∎

If x∉S, then ∣u(x)∣<1/n for every n≥1, hence u(x)=0. [step 2.1, algebra] Therefore u=0 on X∖S, so the class [f] vanishes almost everywhere outside the sigma-finite set S.

LemmaStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-generatedprecheck passaudited 2026-09-01Open item page →

On a finite-measure space, a bounded functional on Lp defines a finite signed measure

Statement

Let (X,A,μ) be a finite measure space, let 1≤p<∞, and let Λ:Lp(μ)→R be a bounded linear functional. Define ν(E):=Λ([1E])(E∈A). Then ν is a finite signed measure on (X,A).

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A finite measure space (X,A,μ), an exponent 1≤p<∞, and a bounded linear functional Λ:Lp(μ)→R.

[L1]

A bounded linear functional on Lp(μ) is linear and continuous with respect to the Lp norm (A bounded linear functional on Lp(μ) and its operator norm).

[L2]

A real-valued countably additive set function with finite values is a signed measure (A signed measure is countably additive and takes at most one infinite value).

[L3]

Dominated convergence applies to integrable majorants (Dominated convergence).

Proof

technique · Define $\nu(E)=\Lambda([\mathbf 1_E])$. Finite measure puts every indicator in $L^p$, and countable additivity comes from $L^p$ convergence of partial indicator sums plus continuity of $\Lambda$
1.1L1given

For every measurable E⊆X, ∫∣1E∣p dμ=μ(E)≤μ(X)<∞, so [1E]∈Lp(μ) and ν(E) is a finite scalar. Also ν(∅)=Λ(0)=0.

1.2L3givenconstruct

Let (En) be pairwise disjoint measurable sets, and put E:=⋃n=1∞En,sN:=∑n=1N1En=1⋃n=1NEn. Then sN→1E pointwise and ∣sN−1E∣p=1⋃n>NEn≤1E. Because μ(X)<∞, the majorant 1E is integrable, so [L3] gives ∥[sN]−[1E]∥pp=∫∣sN−1E∣p dμ⟶0.

2.1L1step 1.1algebra

If A,B∈A are disjoint, then 1A∪B=1A+1B. By linearity of Λ, ν(A∪B)=Λ([1A+1B])=Λ([1A])+Λ([1B])=ν(A)+ν(B). So ν is finitely additive on disjoint measurable sets.

3.1L1L2step 1.1step 1.2step 2.1∎

By continuity of Λ from [L1], finite additivity from step 2.1, and the convergence from step 1.2, ν(E)=Λ([1E])=lim⁡N→∞Λ([sN])=lim⁡N→∞∑n=1Nν(En). So ν is countably additive. Together with step 1.1, [L2] shows that ν is a finite signed measure.

LemmaStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-generatedprecheck passaudited 2026-09-01Open item page →

The measure defined by a bounded Lp functional is absolutely continuous with respect to μ

Statement

Let (X,A,μ) be a finite measure space, let 1≤p<∞, let Λ:Lp(μ)→R be bounded, and let ν(E):=Λ([1E]) be the finite signed measure from On a finite-measure space, a bounded functional on Lp defines a finite signed measure. Then ν≪μ.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A finite measure space (X,A,μ), a bounded linear functional Λ on Lp(μ), and the induced measure ν(E)=Λ([1E]).

[L2]

In Lp(μ), functions equal almost everywhere define the same class (The space Lp(μ) as the quotient by null functions).

[L3]

A bounded linear functional sends the zero vector to 0 (A bounded linear functional on Lp(μ) and its operator norm).

Proof

technique · If $\mu(E)=0$, then $\mathbf 1_E$ is the zero class in $L^p$, so the induced set function must vanish on $E$
1.1L2given

Let E∈A with μ(E)=0. Then 1E=0 almost [L2, given] everywhere, so [L2] gives [1E]=[0]in Lp(μ).

2.1L3step 1.1∎

Applying Λ and then [L3] yields [L3, step 1.1] ν(E)=Λ([1E])=Λ([0])=0. Therefore ν≪μ.

LemmaStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passverified 2026-09-09 (gpt-6-astra)Open item page →

On a finite-measure space, a bounded Lp functional is integration against its Radon-Nikodym density

Statement

Assume the Axiom of Choice. Let (X,A,μ) be a finite measure space, let 1≤p<∞, and let Λ:Lp(μ)→R be a bounded linear functional. Then there exists a density g∈L1(μ) such that for every bounded measurable representative u with class [u]∈Lp(μ), Λ([u])=∫ug dμ. In particular the equality holds for every simple function.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: AC, a finite measure space (X,A,μ), an exponent 1≤p<∞, and a bounded linear functional Λ on Lp(μ).

[L1]
[L2]

A finite absolutely continuous signed measure has an L1 density by the Radon-Nikodym theorem (A sigma-finite signed measure that is absolutely continuous with respect to a sigma-finite positive measure has a unique almost-everywhere density).

[L3]

Measurable functions admit dominated simple approximants (Every measurable function admits simple approximations dominated by its absolute value).

[L4]

Dominated convergence applies to integrable majorants (Dominated convergence).

[L5]

The Lebesgue integral is linear on L1(μ) (The Lebesgue integral is linear on L1(μ)).

[L6]

AC permits the RN and Hahn/Jordan constructions. For a finite-valued signed measure, the Jordan totals are finite values on its Hahn pieces, so their sum, its total variation, is finite. (The Axiom of Choice, Jordan decomposition of a signed measure into unique mutually singular positive parts, For a signed measure, total variation is nu-plus plus nu-minus, finite partitions suffice, and nu-plus and nu-minus are extremal)

Proof

technique · Apply Radon-Nikodym to the measure $\nu(E)=\Lambda(\mathbf 1_E)$, identify the pairing first on indicators and simple functions, and then extend to bounded measurable representatives by dominated convergence
1.1L1L2L6givenchoose

By [L1] the induced measure is finite signed and absolutely continuous. By [L6] its total variation is finite; the constant exhaustion Xn=X is common and finite for it and μ. Under AC, [L2] therefore applies: choose g∈L1(μ) such that ν(E)=∫Eg dμ(E∈A). Since ν(E)=Λ([1E]), this means Λ([1E])=∫1Eg dμ(E∈A).

1.2L3L4givenchoose

Let u be bounded and measurable, with ∣u∣≤M. By [L3], choose simple functions (sn) such that ∣sn∣≤M for every n and sn→u pointwise. Since μ(X)<∞, ∣sn−u∣p≤(2M)p1X, and the majorant is integrable. Therefore [L4] gives ∥[sn]−[u]∥pp=∫∣sn−u∣p dμ⟶0, so continuity of Λ yields Λ([sn])⟶Λ([u]).

2.1L5step 1.1step 1.2givenalgebra

For each simple approximant sn, step 1.1 and linearity give Λ([sn])=∫sng dμ. Thus the formula already holds for every simple function, and in particular for the chosen sequence (sn).

3.1L4step 1.2step 2.1∎

Because g∈L1(μ) and ∣(sn−u)g∣≤2M∣g∣ with 2M∣g∣∈L1(μ), [L4] gives ∫sng dμ⟶∫ug dμ. Combining this with step 1.2 and step 2.1 yields Λ([u])=∫ug dμ. So the Radon-Nikodym density represents Λ on every bounded measurable representative.

LemmaStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-generatedprecheck passaudited 2026-09-01Open item page →

The Radon-Nikodym density of a bounded Lp functional belongs to Lq

Statement

Let (X,A,μ) be a finite measure space, let 1≤p<∞, let q be conjugate to p, and let Λ:Lp(μ)→R be a bounded linear functional. Let g∈L1(μ) be the Radon-Nikodym density from On a finite-measure space, a bounded Lp functional is integration against its Radon-Nikodym density. Then g∈Lq(μ) and ∥g∥q≤∥Λ∥. Moreover, Λ([f])=∫fg dμ([f]∈Lp(μ)).

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A finite measure space (X,A,μ), an exponent 1≤p<∞, its conjugate exponent q, a bounded linear functional Λ on Lp(μ), and its Radon-Nikodym density g∈L1(μ) from the previous lemma.

[L1]

The density g represents Λ on every bounded measurable representative (On a finite-measure space, a bounded Lp functional is integration against its Radon-Nikodym density).

[L2]

If 1<p<∞ and q is conjugate to p, then p(q−1)=q (Conjugate exponents, including the endpoint conventions).

[L3]

Monotone convergence applies to increasing nonnegative measurable sequences (Monotone convergence for the integral).

[L4]

The essential supremum is the least essential bound (The essential supremum is attained as the least essential bound).

[L5]

If u∈Lq(μ), then the functional Λu has norm ∥u∥q for q<∞, and also for q=∞ on a finite measure space (The functional Λg has norm ∥g∥q; for q=∞ assume μ is semifinite).

Proof

technique · For $1<p<\infty$, test the Radon-Nikodym density against bounded truncated extremizers and pass to the limit by monotone convergence. For $p=1$, level-set testing forces the essential supremum below the operator norm
1.1L1L2givenchooseconstruct

Assume first 1<p<∞. Choose a representative u of g and, for k≥1, define uk:=u1{∣u∣≤k},fk:=∣uk∣q−1sgn⁡u. Each fk is bounded, so [L1] gives Λ([fk])=∫fkg dμ=∫∣uk∣q dμ. Also ∣fk∣p=∣uk∣q by [L2], hence ∫∣uk∣q dμ=∣Λ([fk])∣≤∥Λ∥∥[fk]∥p=∥Λ∥(∫∣uk∣q dμ)1/p. Therefore ∫∣uk∣q dμ≤∥Λ∥q(k≥1).

1.2L1L4givenconstruct

Assume instead p=1, so q=∞. Put M:=∥Λ∥ and let u be a representative of g. Fix t>M and set Et:={∣u∣>t}. If μ(Et)>0, then Et has finite measure because μ(X)<∞, and ft:=sgn⁡u 1Et is bounded with ∥[ft]∥1=μ(Et). By [L1], ∣Λ([ft])∣=∫Et∣u∣ dμ>t μ(Et)=t∥[ft]∥1, contradicting the bound ∣Λ([ft])∣≤M∥[ft]∥1. Hence μ(Et)=0 for every t>M, and [L4] gives ∥g∥∞≤M.

2.1L3step 1.1step 1.2

Step 1.1 and monotone convergence prove the strict-exponent case, while step 1.2 proves the endpoint case. Indeed, from step 1.1 the sequence ∣uk∣q increases pointwise to ∣u∣q, so [L3] gives ∫∣u∣q dμ=lim⁡k→∞∫∣uk∣q dμ≤∥Λ∥q. Thus in every case g∈Lq(μ) and ∥g∥q≤∥Λ∥.

3.1L1L5step 1.2step 2.1givenconstruct∎

Let [f]∈Lp(μ) and choose a representative w. For each n≥1, set wn:=w1{∣w∣≤n}. Then each wn is bounded and ∣wn−w∣p≤∣w∣p with ∣wn−w∣p→0 pointwise, so dominated convergence gives ∥[wn]−[f]∥pp=∫∣wn−w∣p dμ⟶0. By step 2.1, g∈Lq(μ), so [L5] shows that Ig([h]):=∫hg dμ is a bounded linear functional on Lp(μ). Since [L1] gives Λ([wn])=Ig([wn]) for every n, continuity of both functionals yields Λ([f])=Ig([f])=∫wg dμ. Thus the Radon-Nikodym density represents Λ on all of Lp(μ).

TheoremStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-generatedprecheck passaudited 2026-09-01Open item page →

On a sigma-finite measure space, every bounded linear functional on Lp is integration against a unique Lq function

Statement

Let (X,A,μ) be a sigma-finite measure space, let 1≤p<∞, and let q be conjugate to p. For every bounded linear functional Λ:Lp(μ)→R there exists a unique g∈Lq(μ) such that Λ([f])=∫fg dμ([f]∈Lp(μ)). Moreover, ∥Λ∥=∥g∥q.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A sigma-finite measure space (X,A,μ), an exponent 1≤p<∞, its conjugate exponent q, and a bounded linear functional Λ on Lp(μ).

[L1]

On a finite measure space, a bounded Lp functional has an Lq Radon-Nikodym density representing it on all of Lp (The Radon-Nikodym density of a bounded Lp functional belongs to Lq).

[L2]

On a semifinite measure space, representing Lq classes are unique (On a semifinite measure space, a representing Lq function is unique).

[L3]

Sigma-finiteness means there is an increasing exhaustion by measurable finite-measure sets, and every sigma-finite measure is semifinite (Finite, sigma-finite, and semifinite measures).

[L4]

For u∈Lq(μ), the pairing functional Λu has norm ∥u∥q in the ranges treated here (The functional Λg has norm ∥g∥q; for q=∞ assume μ is semifinite).

[L5]

Dominated convergence applies to integrable majorants (Dominated convergence).

[L6]

Monotone convergence applies to increasing nonnegative measurable sequences (Monotone convergence for the integral).

Proof

technique · Restrict the functional to an increasing finite-measure exhaustion, obtain local $L^q$ densities, glue them by uniqueness on overlaps, and pass to the limit using continuity on $L^p$
1.1L1L3givenchooseconstruct

By [L3], choose an increasing sequence (Xn) of measurable sets with [L1, L3, given, choose, construct] X=⋃nXn and μ(Xn)<∞ for every n. For each n, let Λn be the bounded functional on Lp(μ∣Xn) defined by Λn([u]):=Λ([u~]), where u~ is the extension of u by 0 outside Xn. Then ∥Λn∥≤∥Λ∥. Applying [L1] on Xn, choose gn∈Lq(μ∣Xn) such that Λn([u])=∫Xnugn dμ([u]∈Lp(μ∣Xn)) and ∥gn∥q≤∥Λ∥.

2.1L2L3step 1.1

If m>n, then both gn and gm∣Xn represent the same functional [L2, L3, step 1.1] Λn on the finite measure space Xn. Since finite measure implies semifinite, [L2] gives gm=gnμ-almost everywhere on Xn. Therefore the local densities are compatible on overlaps.

3.1L6step 1.1step 2.1algebra

Define a measurable function g by setting g=gn almost everywhere on [L6, step 1.1, step 2.1, algebra] each Xn. This is consistent by step 2.1. If q<∞, then ∫Xn∣g∣q dμ=∫Xn∣gn∣q dμ≤∥Λ∥q, so monotone convergence gives ∫X∣g∣q dμ=lim⁡n→∞∫Xn∣g∣q dμ≤∥Λ∥q. If q=∞, then for each n there is a null set Nn⊆Xn with ∣gn∣≤∥Λ∥ on Xn∖Nn; the union N:=⋃nNn is null, and ∣g∣≤∥Λ∥ on X∖N. Hence in every case g∈Lq(μ) and ∥g∥q≤∥Λ∥.

4.1L4L5step 1.1step 3.1givenconstruct

Let [f]∈Lp(μ) and choose a representative w. [L4, L5, step 1.1, step 3.1, given, construct] Set wn:=w1Xn. Then ∣wn−w∣p=∣w∣p1X∖Xn≤∣w∣p, and the right-hand side is integrable. Since wn→w pointwise, [L5] gives ∥[wn]−[f]∥pp=∫∣wn−w∣p dμ⟶0. For each n, step 1.1 gives Λ([wn])=Λn([w∣Xn])=∫Xnwgn dμ=∫wng dμ. By step 3.1 and [L4], the map Ig([h])=∫hg dμ is a bounded linear functional on Lp(μ). Taking limits in the last display yields Λ([f])=Ig([f])=∫wg dμ. So g represents Λ on all of Lp(μ).

5.1L2L3L4step 4.1∎

Since Λ=Λg, [L2, L3, L4, step 4.1] [L4] gives ∥Λ∥=∥Λg∥=∥g∥q. If h∈Lq(μ) also represents Λ, then sigma-finite implies semifinite by [L3], so [L2] gives h=g in Lq(μ). Thus the representing class is unique.

TheoremStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-generatedprecheck passaudited 2026-09-01Open item page →

For 1<p<∞, the same representation theorem holds on arbitrary measure spaces

Statement

Assume the Axiom of Countable Choice (The Axiom of Countable Choice (ACω)).

Let (X,A,μ) be any measure space, let 1<p<∞, and let q be conjugate to p. For every bounded linear functional Λ:Lp(μ)→R there exists a unique g∈Lq(μ) such that Λ([f])=∫fg dμ([f]∈Lp(μ)). Moreover, ∥Λ∥=∥g∥q.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: The Axiom of Countable Choice, a measure space (X,A,μ), an exponent 1<p<∞, its conjugate exponent q, and a bounded linear functional Λ on Lp(μ).

[L0]

Countable Choice is assumed (The Axiom of Countable Choice (ACω)).

[L2]

Every Lr(μ) class with 1≤r<∞ has sigma-finite essential support (For 1≤p<∞, every Lp(μ) class has a sigma-finite essential support).

[L3]

For u∈Lq(μ), the pairing functional has norm ∥u∥q (The functional Λg has norm ∥g∥q; for q=∞ assume μ is semifinite).

Proof

technique · Represent the restriction of the functional on each sigma-finite measurable subset, choose a countable near-maximizing family of such subsets, and prove that their union already captures every local representative
1.1L1givenchooseconstruct

Let S be the family of sigma-finite measurable subsets of X. For each E∈S, define the restricted functional ΛE([u]):=Λ([u~]) on Lp(μ∣E), where u~ is extended by 0 outside E. By [L1], there is a unique gE∈Lq(μ∣E) such that ΛE([u])=∫EugE dμ([u]∈Lp(μ∣E)), and ∥gE∥q=∥ΛE∥≤∥Λ∥.

2.1L0L1step 1.1chooseconstruct

The empty set lies in S and has ∣g∅∥q=0, so the bounded set below is nonempty. Put s:=sup⁡{ ∥gE∥qq:E∈S }≤∥Λ∥q. For each n≥1, the definition of the supremum makes the family {E∈S:∥gE∥qq>s−2−n} nonempty. By [L0], choose one En from each family. Because each En is sigma-finite, the family of sequences (En,k)k≥1 of measurable finite-measure subsets of En whose union is En is nonempty. Using [L0] again, choose one such sequence for every n. Let Z:=⋃n=1∞En. The doubly indexed family (En,k)n,k≥1 has union Z, and a diagonal enumeration of it proves that Z is sigma-finite. By [L1], there is a unique gZ∈Lq(μ∣Z) representing ΛZ. Since En⊆Z and both gZ∣En and gEn represent ΛEn, uniqueness in [L1] gives gZ=gEn almost everywhere on En. Therefore ∥gZ∥qq≥∥gEn∥qq>s−2−n(n≥1). Since Z∈S, the definition of s also gives ∥gZ∥qq≤s, and hence ∥gZ∥qq=s.

3.1L1step 2.1constructalgebra

Let g be the zero extension of a measurable representative of gZ from Z to X. Since q<∞, step 2.1 gives ∫X∣g∣q dμ=∫Z∣gZ∣q dμ=s<∞, so g∈Lq(μ) and ∥g∥qq=s. Now let E∈S. Then Z∪E is sigma-finite, so [L1] supplies gZ∪E. Uniqueness on Z and on E gives gZ∪E=gZ a.e. on Z,gZ∪E=gE a.e. on E. Therefore ∥gZ∪E∥qq=∫Z∣gZ∣q dμ+∫E∖Z∣gE∣q dμ. The left side is at most s by definition of s, while the first term is s by step 2.1. Hence ∫E∖Z∣gE∣q dμ=0, so gE=0 almost everywhere on E∖Z and gE=g almost everywhere on E∩Z.

4.1L2step 1.1step 3.1givenchoose

Let [f]∈Lp(μ). By [L2], choose a sigma-finite measurable set S⊆X such that f=0 almost everywhere on X∖S. Applying step 1.1 to S gives gS∈Lq(μ∣S) with Λ([f])=ΛS([f∣S])=∫SfgS dμ. Step 3.1 gives gS=g almost everywhere on S, so Λ([f])=∫Sfg dμ=∫Xfg dμ. Thus g represents Λ on all of Lp(μ).

5.1L1L2L3step 3.1step 4.1givenchoose∎

If h∈Lq(μ) also represents Λ, then h−g∈Lq(μ) and q<∞. By [L2], choose a sigma-finite measurable set S such that h−g=0 almost everywhere on X∖S. The restrictions of h and g to S represent the same bounded functional on the sigma-finite space S, so [L1] gives h=g almost everywhere on S. Together with the choice of S, this proves h=g almost everywhere on X. Finally [L3] gives ∥Λ∥=∥g∥q. So the representing class is unique and has the correct norm.

CorollaryStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-generatedverified 2026-09-26 (gpt-6-sol)Open item page →

The Lp norm is the supremum of pairings against unit Lq functions

Statement

Let (X,A,μ) be a measure space, let 1≤p<∞, and let q be conjugate to p. Assume either 1<p<∞, or p=1 and μ is sigma-finite. Then for every f∈Lp(μ), ∥f∥p=sup⁡{ ∣∫fg dμ∣:g∈Lq(μ), ∥g∥q≤1 }.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A measure space (X,A,μ), an exponent 1≤p<∞ with conjugate exponent q, and an element f∈Lp(μ).

[L1]

Apply Hölder's inequality to the real nonnegative functions ∣f∣ and ∣g∣, then use ∣∫fg dμ∣≤∫∣fg∣ dμ. This gives ∣∫fg dμ∣≤∥f∥p∥g∥q for complex or real functions and conjugate exponents, including p=1, q=∞ (Holder's inequality for integrals, including the endpoint cases).

Proof

technique · Hölder gives the upper bound; the conjugate phase supplies a norming function
1.1L1given

For every g∈Lq(μ) with ∥g∥q≤1, [L1] gives ∣∫fg dμ∣≤∥f∥p∥g∥q≤∥f∥p. Therefore the supremum is at most ∥f∥p.

1.2givenconstruct

If f=0, the displayed formula is immediate. Hence assume from now on f≠0. For a measurable representative u of f, define its conjugate phase by θu(x):={u(x)‾/∣u(x)∣,u(x)≠0,0,u(x)=0. Then ∣θu∣≤1 and uθu=∣u∣ pointwise.

2.1step 1.2givenchooseconstructalgebra

Assume 1<p<∞ and choose a representative u of f. Define g(x):=∣u(x)∣p−1θu(x)∥f∥pp−1. Since (p−1)q=p, ∣g∣q=∣u∣p∥f∥pp, so ∥g∥q=1. Also uθu=∣u∣ gives ∫ug dμ=1∥f∥pp−1∫∣u∣p dμ=∥f∥p. Hence the supremum is at least ∥f∥p.

2.2step 1.2givenchooseconstructalgebra

Assume p=1 and choose a representative u of f. Put g:=θu. Then g∈L∞(μ) with ∥g∥∞≤1, and ∫ug dμ=∫∣u∣ dμ=∥f∥1. So the supremum is at least ∥f∥1.

3.1step 1.1step 2.1step 2.2∎

Step 1.1 gives the upper bound, while step 2.1 or step 2.2 gives an Lq function of norm at most one attaining it. Therefore the displayed supremum equals ∥f∥p.

CorollaryStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-generatedprecheck passaudited 2026-09-01Open item page →

Counting measure specializes the representation theorem to ℓp and ℓq

Statement

Let 1≤p<∞ and let q be conjugate to p. Every bounded linear functional Λ:ℓp→R is of the form Λ(a)=∑n=0∞anbn for a unique sequence b∈ℓq. Moreover, ∥Λ∥=∥b∥ℓq.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: An exponent 1≤p<∞, its conjugate exponent q, and a bounded linear functional Λ on ℓp.

[L1]

On a sigma-finite measure space, every bounded linear functional on Lp is integration against a unique Lq function (On a sigma-finite measure space, every bounded linear functional on Lp is integration against a unique Lq function).

[L2]

On counting measure over N, the spaces Lp and ℓp coincide, the Lq density becomes a sequence, and the integral becomes the series pairing (ℓp is the Lp space of counting measure).

Proof

technique · View $\ell^p$ as $L^p$ of counting measure on $\mathbb N$, note that counting measure on $\mathbb N$ is sigma-finite by finite initial segments, and translate the representing $L^q$ function back to a sequence
1.1L2given

Counting measure on N is sigma-finite because [L2, given] N=⋃n=0∞{0,1,…,n}, and each initial segment has finite counting measure. By [L2], we may therefore regard Λ as a bounded linear functional on Lp(#).

2.1L1L2step 1.1choose∎

Applying [L1], choose g∈Lq(#) such that [L1, L2, step 1.1, choose] Λ(a)=∫ag d#(a∈ℓp). By [L2], writing bn:=g(n) turns g into a sequence b=(bn)∈ℓq, and the integral identity becomes Λ(a)=∑n=0∞anbn. The same translation in [L2] turns uniqueness and norm equality from [L1] into uniqueness of b and ∥Λ∥=∥b∥ℓq.

RemarkRemark: AI-adaptedProof: Not applicableOpen item page →

Orientation only: the dual-space phrasing of the concrete Lp theorem

Remark

The two concrete representation theorems on this page are exactly what the later functional-analysis dual-space page will summarize as an isometric identification of the real continuous dual of Lp(μ) with Lq(μ), under the same hypotheses: 1≤p<∞ in the sigma-finite theorem, and 1<p<∞ for arbitrary measure spaces. This page stays with the concrete integral representation until that later track owns the abstract language.

5 · Examples, counterexamples and false statements

None yet.

Sources