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Remez algorithm

Remez algorithm is a computer science topic covered in the lgStudy science library. This page brings together a partial reference excerpt, illustrations, worked examples, real-world applications and a short study plan, so you can understand Remez algorithm rather than just read about it. In short: The Remez algorithm or Remez exchange algorithm, published by Evgeny Yakovlevich Remez in 1934, is an iterative algorithm used to find simple approximations to functions, specifically, approximations by functions in a Chebyshev space that are the best in the uniform norm L∞ sense. It is sometimes referred to as Remes algorithm or Reme algorithm.

Key takeaways

  • Remez algorithm belongs to computer science; place it in that map before memorising details.
  • Learn the definition first, then one example that makes the definition concrete.
  • Connect Remez algorithm to a quantity you can measure, compute or draw — that is where exam questions come from.
  • Reproduce the core statement of Remez algorithm from memory before moving on to harder problems.

Reference excerpt

The Remez algorithm or Remez exchange algorithm, published by Evgeny Yakovlevich Remez in 1934, is an iterative algorithm used to find simple approximations to functions, specifically, approximations by functions in a Chebyshev space that are the best in the uniform norm L∞ sense. It is sometimes referred to as Remes algorithm or Reme algorithm. A typical example of a Chebyshev space is the subspace of Chebyshev polynomials of order n in the space of real continuous functions on an interval, C[a, b]. The polynomial of best approximation within a given subspace is defined to be the one that minimizes the maximum absolute difference between the polynomial and the function. In this case, the form of the solution is precised by the equioscillation theorem.

Procedure The Remez algorithm starts with the function f {\displaystyle f} to be approximated and a set X {\displaystyle X} of n + 2 {\displaystyle n+2} sample points x 1 , x 2 , . . . , x n + 2 {\displaystyle x_{1},x_{2},...,x_{n+2}} in the approximation interval, usually the extrema of Chebyshev polynomial linearly mapped to the interval. The steps are:

Solve the linear system of equations

b 0 + b 1 x i + . . . + b n x i n + ( − 1 ) i E = f ( x i ) {\displaystyle b_{0}+b_{1}x_{i}+...+b_{n}x_{i}^{n}+(-1)^{i}E=f(x_{i})} (where i = 1 , 2 , . . . n + 2 {\displaystyle i=1,2,...n+2} ), for the unknowns b 0 , b 1 . . . b n {\displaystyle b_{0},b_{1}...b_{n}} and E. Use the b i {\displaystyle b_{i}} as coefficients to form a polynomial P n {\displaystyle P_{n}} . Find the set M {\displaystyle M} of points of local maximum error | P n ( x ) − f ( x ) | {\displaystyle |P_{n}(x)-f(x)|} . If the errors at every m ∈ M {\displaystyle m\in M} are of equal magnitude and alternate in sign, then P n {\displaystyle P_{n}} is the minimax approximation polynomial. If not, replace X {\displaystyle X} with M {\displaystyle M} and repeat the steps above. The result is called the polynomial of best approximation or the minimax approximation algorithm. A review of technicalities in implementing the Remez algorithm is given by W. Fraser.

Choice of initialization The Chebyshev nodes are a common choice for the initial approximation because of their role in the theory of polynomial interpolation. For the initialization of the optimization problem for function f by the Lagrange interpolant Ln(f), it can be shown that this initial approximation is bounded by

‖ f − L n ( f ) ‖ ∞ ≤ ( 1 + ‖ L n ‖ ∞ ) inf p ∈ P n ‖ f − p ‖ {\displaystyle \lVert f-L_{n}(f)\rVert _{\infty }\leq (1+\lVert L_{n}\rVert _{\infty })\inf _{p\in P_{n}}\lVert f-p\rVert }

with the norm or Lebesgue constant of the Lagrange interpolation operator Ln of the nodes (t1, ..., tn + 1) being

‖ L n ‖ ∞ = Λ ¯ n ( T ) = max − 1 ≤ x ≤ 1 λ n ( T ; x ) , {\displaystyle \lVert L_{n}\rVert _{\infty }={\overline {\Lambda }}_{n}(T)=\max _{-1\leq x\leq 1}\lambda _{n}(T;x),}

T being the zeros of the Chebyshev polynomials, and the Lebesgue functions being

… excerpt ends here. Continue reading the full article.

Worked examples

Example 1 — a first encounter with Remez algorithm

Start with the simplest possible case. Write down what Remez algorithm claims or describes in one sentence, then invent the smallest concrete situation in which that sentence is true. In computer science, the smallest case is usually a single object, a single equation or a single measurement. Check that every symbol or term in your sentence has a meaning in that case.

Example 2 — changing one variable

Take the situation from Example 1 and change exactly one quantity: double it, halve it, or set it to zero. Predict what should happen to Remez algorithm before you calculate. Comparing your prediction with the result is the fastest way to find out whether you understand the idea or only the words.

Example 3 — an exam-style question

Typical questions about Remez algorithm ask you to (a) state it precisely, (b) apply it to given data, and (c) explain a limitation. Practise writing all three answers in under five minutes; the third part is what separates a full-mark answer from an average one.

Applications of Remez algorithm

In research
Remez algorithm appears in computer science research whenever the underlying quantities have to be modelled precisely. Papers usually cite it as a starting assumption and then explore where it breaks down.
In technology and industry
Engineering practice reuses Remez algorithm in design rules, simulations and safety margins. Knowing the idea lets you read a specification sheet and understand why the numbers look the way they do.
In the classroom
Remez algorithm is common in secondary-school and first-year university syllabi. It links to neighbouring topics Approximation theory, Numerical analysis, Polynomials, so understanding it makes those chapters shorter.
In everyday life
Look for Remez algorithm outside the textbook — in sport, cooking, traffic, electronics or the sky above you. An example you found yourself is remembered far longer than one you were given.

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How to study Remez algorithm in 20 minutes

  1. Read the reference excerpt below once, without taking notes.
  2. Close the page and write down what Remez algorithm means in your own words.
  3. Compare your version with the excerpt and mark what you missed.
  4. Work through the three examples above with pen and paper.
  5. Explain Remez algorithm out loud to somebody else — or to Teacher Smith in the lgStudy chat.

Frequently asked questions

What is Remez algorithm in simple terms?

The Remez algorithm or Remez exchange algorithm, published by Evgeny Yakovlevich Remez in 1934, is an iterative algorithm used to find simple approximations to functions, specifically, approximations by functions in a Chebyshev space that are the best in the uniform norm L∞ sense. It is sometimes r…

Why does Remez algorithm matter?

Because it connects several computer science ideas at once: it gives you a definition you can apply, a quantity you can calculate, and a way to check whether a result is plausible.

How should I study Remez algorithm?

Read the excerpt, restate it from memory, then work through the examples and applications listed on this page. The five-step study plan above takes about twenty minutes.

What does this page cover?

It gives you a compact reference excerpt plus original lgStudy explanations, examples, applications and study material on Remez algorithm.

Tags

  • Approximation theory
  • Numerical analysis
  • Polynomials

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