Linear Interpolation

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What Does Linear Interpolation Mean?

Linear interpolation is a form of interpolation, which involves the generation of new values based on an existing set of values. Linear interpolation is achieved by geometrically rendering a straight line between two adjacent points on a graph or plane. All points on the line other than the original two can be considered interpolated values.

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Techopedia Explains Linear Interpolation

The use of interpolation in astronomy dates as far back as 300 BC. Early in its history, interpolation served as a tool to study and predict the positions and movements of celestial bodies. Hipparchus of Rhodes used linear interpolation to construct chord function tables around 150 BC. Over the next 2,000 years, civilizations across several continents developed many different uses for linear interpolation (in astronomy, mathematics and beyond). Linear interpolation found common usage in computer graphics during the twentieth century.

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Margaret Rouse
Technology Expert
Margaret Rouse
Technology Expert

Margaret is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical business audience. Over the past twenty years, her IT definitions have been published by Que in an encyclopedia of technology terms and cited in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine, and Discovery Magazine. She joined Techopedia in 2011. Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages.