polynomial interpolation problem is particularly important: Given x1,...,xn (distinct) and y1,...,yn, find a polynomial pn−1(x) of degree n−1 (or less) such that pn−1(xi) = yi for i = 1:n. Thus, p2(x) = 1+4x−2x2 interpolates the points (−2,−15), (3,−5), and (1,3).