ematics, algorithm> A mathematical procedure which estimates values of a ef="module.php?name=Lexikon&file=search&eid=1&query=function">function at positions between listed or given values. Interpolation works by fitting a "curve" (i.e. a function) to two or more given points and then applying this function to the required input. example uses are calculating ef="module.php?name=Lexikon&file=search&eid=1&query=trigonometric functions">trigonometric functions from tables and audio waveform sythesis. The simplest form of interpolation is where a function, f(x), is estimated by drawing a straight line ("linear interpolation") between the nearest given points on either side of the required input value: f(x) ~ f(x1) + (f(x2) - f(x1))(x-x1)/(x2 - x1) There are many variations using more than two points or higher degreeef="module.php?name=Lexikon&file=search&eid=1&query=polynomial">polynomial functions. The technique can also beextended to functions of more than one input. (1997-07-14)
