Thread: Linear Interpolation Question

Hello:
The formula: y1 * (1-x) + y2 * x is a Linear Interpolation formula. I am trying to understand if this formula will yield the middle values between two points such as: Point 1: (5,10 ) and Point 2: (20,15)

Would this be the diagonal line connecting these two points. If so, is "x" the range value from x1 to x2?. I am trying to code this in a computer function to test.

Thanks in advance

Mark

Hello mhartman

Welcome to Math Help Forum!

Originally Posted by mhartman

Hello:
The formula: y1 * (1-x) + y2 * x is a Linear Interpolation formula. I am trying to understand if this formula will yield the middle values between two points such as: Point 1: (5,10 ) and Point 2: (20,15)

Would this be the diagonal line connecting these two points. If so, is "x" the range value from x1 to x2?. I am trying to code this in a computer function to test.

Thanks in advance

Mark

I'm not sure where the formula you quote comes from, but this may help.

The midpoint of the line joining the points and is



So in the example you quote, it will be .

The equation of the line joining these points is:



which can be re-arranged as:



which gives you the linear interpolation formula that will calculate the value of for any value of in the interval . So, for example, in the interval you quote, if you want the value of y when , it's



Grandad

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply.

Mark