On best p-norm approximation of discrete data by polynomials

In this note, we derive a solution to the problem of finding a polynomial of degree at most $n$ that best approximates data at $n+2$ points in the $l_{p}$ norm. Analogous to a result of de la Vallee Poussin, one can express the solution as a convex combination of the Lagrange interpolants over subsets of $n+1$ points, and the error oscillates in sign.

Automated summary

In this note, a solution is derived for the problem of finding a polynomial of degree at most $n$ that best approximates data at $n+2$ points in the $l_{p}$ norm. The solution can be expressed as a convex combination of Lagrange interpolants over subsets of $n+1$ points, and the error oscillates in sign.