Q UIZ 7

120202: ESM4A - N UMERICAL M ETHODS

Spring 2016

Prof. Dr. Lars Linsen

School of Engineering and Science
Jacobs University

April 6, 2016

Problem Q.7: Newton Interpolation. (3+5+1+3+2+1=15 points)

(a) Explain the idea of Newton interpolation, derive what properties this imposes
on the Newton polynomials, and eventually derive the Newton polynomials in
general form.
(b) Given a polynomial p1 (u) = 1 − (u + 1) + (u + 1)u in Newton form that interpolates
the function f (u) = u4 at the knots −1, 0, and 1. Derive a polynomial p2 (u) that
extends p1 (u) by additionally interpolating f (u) at knot 2.
(c) The interpolation error theorem says that for a polynomial p(u) in Newton form
that interpolates a function f (u) at knots u0 , . . . , un , the error is given by
1
f (u) − p(u) = f (n+1) (ξ)Πni=0 (u − ui ) .
(n + 1)!
What are the properties that f , u, and ξ have to fulfill?
(d) Compute the interpolation error of p2 (u) derived in (b) according to (c) using all
information that can be derived.
(e) Evaluate the interpolation error derived in (d) for u = 12 .
(f) If we had used Lagrange interpolation instead, how large would the interpolation
error for u = 12 be? Explain briefly.
Duration: 15 min.