Definition of convexity

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We know that a function is convex if we have $$\lambda f(x_1) + (1-\lambda)f(x_2) \ge f(\lambda x_1 + (1-\lambda)x_2)$$ where $0\le\lambda\le1$

But I don't know where is it come from ? Unfortunately , I can't understand it. I searched in the internet many times but it didn't help to me. If someone explain this expression is helpful. 

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The given inequality means that whenever you take two points on the graph of $f$, then the segment joining them is above the graph itself.

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Edit. For the proof, it suffices to notice that for all $A,B\in\mathbb{R}^2$, one has: $$[AB]=\{(1-t)A+tB;t\in[0,1]\}.$$ This is essentially the definition of $[AB]$, which is the set of barycentric combinations of $A$ and $B$.