interpolators

An interpolator is a mathematical function used to estimate unknown values that lie between known data points. It's a process of constructing new data points within the range of a discrete set of known data points. The core idea is to find a smooth curve or surface that passes through or near the given data, allowing for estimation at intermediate locations.

Common types of interpolators include linear interpolation, which connects two points with a straight line, and polynomial interpolation, which uses a polynomial function to fit multiple points. More complex methods like spline interpolation offer greater flexibility and smoothness.

Interpolation finds wide application in various fields. In computer graphics, it's used for tasks such as resizing images and animating objects, generating smooth transitions between keyframes. In data analysis, it helps fill in missing values or create continuous representations of discrete measurements. Scientific simulations and engineering also rely on interpolation to approximate complex phenomena or discretize continuous functions. The choice of interpolator depends on the nature of the data and the desired accuracy and smoothness of the estimated values.