If a real degree-at-most- polynomial has absolute value at most one at every extremum of the Chebyshev polynomial , its th derivative on is bounded by , for . This strengthens the Markov inequality for polynomial derivatives by replacing a bound on the whole interval with these finitely many samples. The node set is rigid, as quantified by uniqueness of Chebyshev derivative-norming nodes.
Markov interlacing lemma 2026-10-14
Differentiation preserves the ordering of interlacing roots of polynomials of equal or consecutive polynomial degrees. Iteration gives the result for every derivative for which both polynomials are nonconstant; common roots are allowed by a limiting argument. This is a result about the locations of roots of a polynomial, distinct from the Markov inequality for polynomial derivatives. Theorem A of Dimitar K. Dimitrov's account states the first-derivative result.
Assume and . The given Bernstein inequality for algebraic polynomials shows that satisfies the nodal hypotheses of (a). Consequently, in the two endpoint regions , .
For , the finite geometric identity
bounds its absolute value by . It follows that , and the endpoint limit gives . In the central interval, the Bernstein inequality for algebraic polynomials gives
since on . Combining the regions and rescaling proves the Markov inequality for polynomial derivatives:
The Chebyshev polynomial itself attains equality, so this constant is sharp. Constant polynomials have zero derivative.