Convex optimization and the smallest ball problem

Abstract

Abstract The Smallest Ball Problem is a famous problem in mathematics that was proposed by James Joseph Sylvester. In the past, many algorithms to solve this problem were founded but there was only a limited number of researches that focused on the rigorous mathematical proof of this problem. Thus, the goal of this essay is to provide a rigorous proof of the claim that the smallest enclosing ball must exist and it is unique. In this essay, the Smallest Ball Problem will be converted into a convex optimization problem and the result that the smallest enclosing ball exists and is unique can be proved by proving the optimal solution of this programming problem exists. The meaning of this research is to give a theoretically mathematical proof of the Smallest Ball Problem so that it can tell the algorithms to solve this problem can always work. Thus, it can also ensure the effectiveness of all the related algorithms.