Runge's Phenomenon - Introduction

Introduction

The Weierstrass approximation theorem states that every continuous function f(x) defined on an interval can be uniformly approximated as closely as desired by a polynomial function Pn(x) of degree ≤ n, i.e.,

Interpolation at equidistant points is a natural and well-known approach to construct approximating polynomials. Runge's phenomenon demonstrates, however, that interpolation can easily result in divergent approximations.

Read more about this topic:  Runge's Phenomenon

Famous quotes containing the word introduction:

    Such is oftenest the young man’s introduction to the forest, and the most original part of himself. He goes thither at first as a hunter and fisher, until at last, if he has the seeds of a better life in him, he distinguishes his proper objects, as a poet or naturalist it may be, and leaves the gun and fish-pole behind. The mass of men are still and always young in this respect.
    Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)

    My objection to Liberalism is this—that it is the introduction into the practical business of life of the highest kind—namely, politics—of philosophical ideas instead of political principles.
    Benjamin Disraeli (1804–1881)

    For better or worse, stepparenting is self-conscious parenting. You’re damned if you do, and damned if you don’t.
    —Anonymous Parent. Making It as a Stepparent, by Claire Berman, introduction (1980, repr. 1986)