Connecting the dots... the art and science of interpolation and extrapolation

Community Mathematics Centre, CoMaC (2017) Connecting the dots... the art and science of interpolation and extrapolation. At Right Angles, 6 (2). pp. 12-16. ISSN 2582-1873

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Abstract

We need to point out the difference between the two terms ‘interpolation’ and ‘extrapolation’. Suppose we are given n data points, and we have been able to find a curve corresponding to a polynomial f of degree n which passes through all the n points. We may now want to use this knowledge to estimate the y-value corresponding to some x-value lying within the range of the given data. All we need to do now is to substitute this value of x into the function f, and we get the desired estimate. This process is known as interpolation. What happens if the x-value lies outside the range of the given data? We may assume now that the same functional relationship holds between y and x even if such is the case. Therefore, to get the desired estimate, all we do (as earlier) is to substitute this value of x into the function f. This process is known as extrapolation.

Item Type:	Articles in APF Magazines
Authors:	Community Mathematics Centre, CoMaC
Document Language:	Language English
Subjects:	Natural Sciences > Mathematics
Divisions:	Azim Premji University - Bengaluru > University Publications > At Right Angles
Full Text Status:	Public
URI:	http://publications.azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in/id/eprint/1335
Publisher URL:	http://apfstatic.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/s3fs-...

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