Definition:Approximation Theory

Definition

Approximation theory is a branch of numerical analysis and applied mathematics concerned with the approximation of a function over an interval by a simpler function (usually polynomial).

Motivation

The broad aim of approximation theory is for approximation errors to be as small as possible over the interval $\openint a b$ of interest.

Also see

• Definition:Spline Function

• Results about approximation theory can be found here.

Sources

• 1998: David Nelson: The Penguin Dictionary of Mathematics (2nd ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): approximation theory
• 2008: David Nelson: The Penguin Dictionary of Mathematics (4th ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): approximation theory
• 2014: Christopher Clapham and James Nicholson: The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Mathematics (5th ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): approximation theory
• 2021: Richard Earl and James Nicholson: The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Mathematics (6th ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): approximation theory