Three-Convex Approximation by Free Knot Splines in C [0, 1]

A Jackson-type estimate is obtained for the approximation of 3 -convex functions by 3 -convex splines with free knots. The order of approximation is the same as for the Jackson-type estimate for unconstrained approximation by splines with free knots. Shape-preserving free knot spline approximation of k -convex functions, k > 3 , is also considered. January 15, 1996. Date revised: December 9, 1996.