On Variance and Covariance for Bounded Linear Operators

In this paper we initiate a study of covariance and variance for two operators on a Hilbert space, proving that the c-v (covariance-variance) inequality holds, which is equivalent to the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality. As for applications of the c-v inequality we prove uniformly the Bernstein-type inequalities and equalities, and show the generalized Heinz-Kato-Furuta-type inequalities and equalities, from which a generalization and sharpening of Reid's inequality is obtained. We show that every operator can be expressed as a p-hyponormal-type, and a hyponormal-type operator. Finally, some new characterizations of the Furuta inequality are given. Received April 9, 2000, Revised July 20, 2000, Accepted August 8, 2000