Orthogonal polynomials are a set of polynomials that are orthogonal to each other with respect to a given inner product, meaning that the integral of their product over a specified interval equals zero if they are distinct. These polynomials have significant applications in numerical analysis, especially in interpolation methods and approximation theory, where they can provide efficient and stable representations of functions. Their properties help simplify problems involving function approximation and numerical integration, making them essential tools in many areas of applied mathematics.
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