Lagrange Interpolation Formula: Difference between revisions
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For any distinct [[complex number]]s <math> x_0, \ldots , x_n </math> and any complex numbers <math> y_0, \ldots, y_n </math>, there exists a unique [[polynomial]] <math> | For any distinct [[complex number]]s <math> x_0, \ldots , x_n </math> and any complex numbers <math> y_0, \ldots, y_n </math>, there exists a unique [[polynomial]] <math>P(x) </math> of [[degree of a polynomial | degree]] less than or equal to <math>n </math> such that for all [[integer]]s <math> 0 \le i \le n </math>, <math> P(x_i) = y_i </math>, and this polynomial is | ||
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While this formula may appear intimidating, it's actually not so difficult to see what is going on: for each term in the sum, we are finding a polynomial of degree <math>n</math> that goes through the points <math>(x_i,y_i)</math> and <math>(x_k,0)</math> for <math>k\neq i</math>. When we add them all together, we end up with a polynomial that interpolates the desired points. | While this formula may appear intimidating, it's actually not so difficult to see what is going on: for each term in the sum, we are finding a polynomial of degree <math>n</math> that goes through the points <math>(x_i,y_i)</math> and <math>(x_k,0)</math> for <math>k\neq i</math>. When we add them all together, we end up with a polynomial that interpolates the desired points. | ||
This formula is useful for many olympiad problems, especially since such a polynomial is unique. | |||
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Revision as of 07:27, 18 April 2012
For any distinct complex numbers
and any complex numbers
, there exists a unique polynomial
of degree less than or equal to
such that for all integers
,
, and this polynomial is
.
While this formula may appear intimidating, it's actually not so difficult to see what is going on: for each term in the sum, we are finding a polynomial of degree
that goes through the points
and
for
. When we add them all together, we end up with a polynomial that interpolates the desired points.
This formula is useful for many olympiad problems, especially since such a polynomial is unique.
This article is a stub. Help us out by expanding it.