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ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: ZENODO
ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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Asymptotics of Erd\H{o}s's \(L^2\) Lagrange Interpolation Problem: Arcsine Distribution and Airy Endpoint Universality Revisited

Authors: Zeraoulia, Rafik;

Asymptotics of Erd\H{o}s's \(L^2\) Lagrange Interpolation Problem: Arcsine Distribution and Airy Endpoint Universality Revisited

Abstract

Let $x_1,\dots,x_n\in[-1,1]$ be distinct nodes and let\[l_k(x)=\prod_{i\neq k}\frac{x-x_i}{x_k-x_i}\]denote the associated Lagrange interpolation polynomials. Erd\H{o}s posed the problem of minimizing the functional\[I(x_1,\dots,x_n)=\int_{-1}^1 \sum_{k=1}^n |l_k(x)|^2\,dx\]and determining its asymptotic behavior as $n\to\infty$. It was known that\[2-O\!\left(\frac{(\log n)^2}{n}\right)\le \inf I \le 2-\frac{2}{2n-1},\]with the upper bound attained by nodes related to Legendre polynomials. In this paper, we place Erd\H{o}s’s problem within the classical framework of minimal-norm interpolation. We interpret $I$ as the squared Hilbert--Schmidt norm of the associated Lagrange interpolation operator and recall that asymptotic minimizers are constrained by the structure and uniqueness theory of minimal $L^2$-norm interpolation schemes. Building on this foundation, we develop a variational approach based on Christoffel functions, orthogonal polynomial asymptotics, and entropy methods to resolve the problem asymptotically. Our main contributions are as follows:\begin{enumerate}\item[(i)] We prove that any asymptotically minimizing sequence of nodes must equidistribute with respect to the arcsine measure on ([-1,1]). ```\item[(ii)] We establish a sharp \(O(1/n)\) lower bound, improving the longstanding \(O((\log n)^2/n)\) estimate of Erd\H{o}s–Szabados–Varma–V\'ertesi. \item[(iii)] We show that asymptotic minimizers are rigid and structurally constrained, in accordance with classical minimal-norm interpolation theory. \item[(iv)] We identify that the leading correction arises from microscopic endpoint regions and formulate an \emph{entropy rigidity hypothesis} connecting deterministic minimization to equilibrium log-gas behavior. \item[(v)] Under a conjectured \emph{endpoint universality} principle for discrete Christoffel functions, we derive the first-order asymptotic expansion\[\inf I = 2 - \frac{c}{n} + o\!\left(\frac{1}{n}\right),\]with an explicit constant \(c>0\) expressed in terms of the Airy kernel. \item[(vi)] We show that the Legendre–integral nodes are asymptotically optimal and support all theoretical predictions with detailed numerical experiments, including verification of edge rigidity and Airy-type endpoint scaling.

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
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