Smooth approximation

Smooth approximation is a mathematical technique used to replace a function that may be rough, jagged, or have sharp changes with a smoother version that closely resembles it. This process helps make complex functions easier to analyze or compute, especially in optimization or modeling problems. Think of it like gently blurring a jagged edge so you can better understand its overall shape without getting caught up in every tiny detail. By creating a smooth approximation, mathematicians and scientists can work more effectively with functions that are originally difficult to handle due to their irregularities.