Branches of Mathematic

Approximation Theory

Analysis

Approximation theory is concerned with how functions can best be approximated by simpler functions, typically polynomials, and with quantifying the error such an approximation introduces. This description is adapted from Wikipedia contributors under CC BY-SA 4.0; changes were made. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

Facts
Central Question
Given a continuous function on a closed interval, how closely can it be approximated by a polynomial of a given degree, and which polynomial of that degree achieves the smallest possible error. 1
Key Debate
Whether an optimal approximating polynomial can be certified rather than merely constructed. The equioscillation theorem answers this for polynomial approximation on an interval, but the underlying fact, that continuous functions can be approximated as closely as desired by polynomials at all, proved by Karl Weierstrass in 1885, took decades of further work after Weierstrass's own proof before the sharpest, provably optimal constructions followed. 1
Classification
Pure or Applied
Both / Interdisciplinary 1
Approximation Theory
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Associated With

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Source Arthur Sard (Wikipedia)
Source Bulgarian Academy of Sciences: 90 years since the birth of Acad. Blagovest Sendov (1932-2020)
Source Wikipedia: Chebyshev polynomials
Source Evgeny Yakovlevich Remez (Wikipedia)
Source Wikipedia: Herman Müntz
Source Muntz-Szasz Theorem (Wikipedia)
Source Sergei Bernstein, Biography (MacTutor History of Mathematics)
Source Sergey Mergelyan (Wikipedia)
Sources
1. Approximation Theory (Wikipedia)
Wikipedia
  • Lead section
    In mathematics, approximation theory is concerned with how functions can best be approximated with simpler functions, and with quantitatively characterizing the errors introduced thereby.
  • Optimal polynomials
    That such a polynomial is always optimal is asserted by the equioscillation theorem.
  • In Group: Harmonic Analysis and Approximation, lead paragraph
    In mathematics, approximation theory is concerned with how functions can best be approximated with simpler functions, and with quantitatively characterizing the errors introduced thereby.
View the Source
Stone-Weierstrass Theorem (Wikipedia)
WikipediaWeierstrass approximation theorem
Quote, Weierstrass approximation theorem
The original version of this result was established by Karl Weierstrass in 1885 using the Weierstrass transform.
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Bulgarian Academy of Sciences: 90 years since the birth of Acad. Blagovest Sendov (1932-2020)
Bulgarian Academy of SciencesIncludes: Blagovest Sendov, Scientific interests
Quote, Includes: Blagovest Sendov, Scientific interests
The scientific interests and achievements of Acad. Sendov are in the field of approximation theory, mathematical modelling (in particular in mathematical biology), numerical methods and computer science
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Arthur Sard (Wikipedia)
Includes: Arthur Sard, Lead, spline interpolation
Quote, Includes: Arthur Sard, Lead, spline interpolation
Arthur Sard (28 July 1909, New York City, 31 August 1980, Basel) was an American mathematician, famous for his work in differential topology and in spline interpolation.
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Sergey Mergelyan (Wikipedia)
Includes: Sergey Mergelyan, Lead
Quote, Includes: Sergey Mergelyan, Lead
who made major contributions to the Approximation theory
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Evgeny Yakovlevich Remez (Wikipedia)
Includes: Evgeny Yakovlevich Remez, Lead
Quote, Includes: Evgeny Yakovlevich Remez, Lead
He is known for his work in the constructive function theory, in particular, for the Remez algorithm and the Remez inequality.
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Muntz-Szasz Theorem (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationIncludes: Muntz-Szasz Theorem, Lead sentenceView the Source
Wikipedia: Herman Müntz
Includes: Herman Müntz, Lead
Quote, Includes: Herman Müntz, Lead
In the following years he published on projective geometry, iterative methods, and approximation theory.
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Wikipedia: Chebyshev polynomials
Includes: Chebyshev Polynomials, Lead paragraph
Quote, Includes: Chebyshev Polynomials, Lead paragraph
In 1952, Cornelius Lanczos showed that the Chebyshev polynomials are important in approximation theory for the solution of linear systems; the roots of Tn(x), which are also called Chebyshev nodes, are used as matching points for optimizing polynomial interpolation.
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Sergei Bernstein, Biography (MacTutor History of Mathematics)
Includes: Sergei Bernstein, Summary
Quote, Includes: Sergei Bernstein, Summary
Sergei Bernstein was a Ukrainian mathematician who made important contributions to partial differential equations, differential geometry, probability theory and approximation theory.
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