mathematics, algorithm A mathematical procedure which
estimates values of a
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
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
degree
polynomial functions. The technique can also be
extended to functions of more than one input.
(1997-07-14)