Finding a Rational Function with data (Pade approximation)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the application of Pade approximations to a set of given data points. Participants explore methods for approximating a function using rational functions, considering alternatives such as polynomial interpolation and Bezier curve fitting.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about how to derive a function f(x) from the data points for use in Pade approximations, suggesting numerical differentiation as a potential method.
  • Another participant questions the necessity of using a rational function, noting that a 9th degree polynomial could fit all 10 data points exactly.
  • A different participant mentions the need for a function definition to apply Pade approximations, highlighting that the lack of a defined function complicates the process.
  • Some participants propose that polynomial interpolation might be sufficient for the data, while others argue that Pade approximations could yield smaller errors under certain conditions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best approach to approximate the function from the data. Multiple competing views remain regarding the effectiveness of Pade approximations versus polynomial interpolation and other methods.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made about the function definitions and the applicability of different approximation methods based on the nature of the data points provided.

cbarker1
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TL;DR
I have some points that I need to approximate a function by using a Rational function.
Dear Everybody,

I need some help understanding how to use pade approximations with a given data points (See the attachment for the data).
Here is the basic derivation of pade approximation read the Derivation of Pade Approximate.
I am confused on how to find a f(x) to the data or is there a better way to just use the values of data in order to find the rational function.
I thought about numerical differentiation in order to find f(x) at the point 0.

Thanks,
Cbarker1
 

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cbarker1 said:
Summary:: I have some points that I need to approximate a function by using a Rational function.

Dear Everybody,

I need some help understanding how to use pade approximations with a given data points (See the attachment for the data).
Here is the basic derivation of pade approximation read the Derivation of Pade Approximate.
I am confused on how to find a f(x) to the data or is there a better way to just use the values of data in order to find the rational function.
I thought about numerical differentiation in order to find f(x) at the point 0.

Thanks,
Cbarker1
Why do you think you need to do the approximation with a rational function? You have 10 data points, so a 9th degree polynomial would go through all 10 points. As an alternative, you could use Bezier curve fitting (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bézier_curve), to find a collection of functions that fit your data points.
 
Because I am learning about pade approximation and I am presenting this method to my colleagues, I need to know where to start. I understand that I can do the polynomial interpolation.
 
cbarker1 said:
Summary:: I have some points that I need to approximate a function by using a Rational function.

Here is the basic derivation of pade approximation read the Derivation of Pade Approximate.
According to the article in the link, you need to have the function definition in order to approximate it as the quotient of two power series. Obviously, you don't have the function definition. In the example in the article, they find the Pade approximation for ##f(x) = e^x##.
cbarker1 said:
I am confused on how to find a f(x) to the data or is there a better way to just use the values of data in order to find the rational function.
I thought about numerical differentiation in order to find f(x) at the point 0.
You mean at the point (1, 20)? I don't see how that would help at all. The graph of the plotted points doesn't look to me like any rational function (other than some polynomial).
 
Polynomial interpolation would works well in this data. But pade approximate would better because the error would be smaller. The best situation is having a defined function that does not happen in many cases in application problems. It is usual given by data points.
 

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