<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
are calculating 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
degree polynomial functions. The technique can also be
extended to functions of more than one input.
