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Approximation Theory

Approximation theory focuses on approximating complex functions with simpler ones, utilizing tools like the Weierstrass approximation theorem, which states that continuous functions can be approximated by polynomials. It also explores shape-preserving approximations that maintain certain geometric properties and investigates the relationship between function smoothness and approximation error. Applications span various fields, including numerical methods, image compression, and computer-aided geometric design.

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17 views2 pages

Approximation Theory

Approximation theory focuses on approximating complex functions with simpler ones, utilizing tools like the Weierstrass approximation theorem, which states that continuous functions can be approximated by polynomials. It also explores shape-preserving approximations that maintain certain geometric properties and investigates the relationship between function smoothness and approximation error. Applications span various fields, including numerical methods, image compression, and computer-aided geometric design.

Uploaded by

hohihe9879
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Approximation theory

Approximation theory studies how one can approximate general, possibly complicated,
functions/curves/surfaces, etc. by simpler and more easily calculated objects. For instance, the
Weierstrass approximation theorem shows that any continuous function can be uniformly
approximated by polynomials (which are infinitely smooth), while Weierstrass himself
constructed an example of a nowhere differentiable continuous function. In modern
approximation theory, a variety of tools, algorithms and methods are available, which are used in
different areas of analysis (e.g., in harmonic analysis and Fourier analysis) and mathematics
(e.g., foundations for numerical methods), and also have very practical applications such as
image compression, signal processing, curve and surface fitting.

Shape-preserving approximation is a type of constrained approximation: we demand that the


approximating tool preserves certain geometric properties of the function, such as a sign,
monotonicity, convexity, etc. Normally the element of best-unconstrained approximation is
oscillating around the target function, but such oscillation may be undesired in applications, so
specialized methods need to be developed. Shape-preserving requirements appear naturally in
some problems of computer-aided geometric design. Research focuses on how much of the
accuracy of approximation we must sacrifice in order to fulfill shape constraints.

One of the main tasks of approximation theory is to investigate relations between the smoothness
of the approximated function and the error of approximation. If a function is “smoother” (e.g. has
more derivatives), one can usually achieve a better approximation rate. Conversely, the
magnitude of the approximation error carries information about the smoothness of the function.
To achieve such direct and converse results, one needs to properly measure the smoothness of
the function, and derivatives are usually not sensitive enough for the task. One of the
applications of measures of smoothness is the analysis of the speed of numerical solutions of
integral and partial differential equations.

Approximation Theory

The mathematical study of how given quantities can be approximated by other (usually simpler)
ones under appropriate conditions. Approximation theory also studies the size and properties of
the error introduced by approximation. Approximations are often obtained by power
series expansions in which the higher order terms are dropped.

In mathematics, approximation theory is concerned with how functions can be


best approximated with simpler functions, and with quantitatively characterising
the errors introduced thereby. What is meant by best and simpler will depend on the application.
Approximation theory has many applications, especially in numerical
computation, physics, engineering and computer science. There are two main applications of
approximations. The first is approximating safisticated functions in a computer mathematical
library, using simpler operations that can be performed on the computer (e.g. addition and
multiplication), such that the result is as close to the actual function as possible. This is typically
done with polynomial or rational approximations. The second is obtaining approximate values of
real-world function (known on the grid) between the points of the grid.

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