Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge / 2008 / iii / Paper 75 / 3 / c / Solution

For each $n$, choose the best uniform approximation $p_n^{\ast }$. If its error is nonzero, take its $n+2$ alternating extrema. The intermediate value theorem supplies a point $y_j$ strictly between the $j$th and $(j+1)$st extrema such that $f(y_j)=p_n^{\ast }(y_j)$, for $0\le j\le n$. These $n+1$ points are distinct. The polynomial interpolation problem at them has a unique solution of degree at most $n$, so its solution is exactly $p_n^{\ast }$. This constructs the interpolation nodes from best uniform approximation.

If $E_n(f)=0$, then $f$ itself belongs to the polynomial space, and any $n+1$ distinct nodes give the same conclusion. In either case, take $x_{n,j}=y_j$ or the arbitrary nodes just described. ThenThe Weierstrass approximation theorem gives $E_n(f)\to 0$; alternatively, the bound derived in part 4(b), combined with uniform continuity, gives this convergence directly. ThereforeThe nodes may depend on $f$ and on $n$. The conclusion does not assert a universal sequence of interpolation grids working for every continuous target.