Approximation under an arc length constraint

Let f C[a, b]. LetP be a subset ofC[a, b], L b – a be a given real number. We say thatp P is a best approximation tof fromP, with arc length constraintL, ifA[p] _b^a[1 + (p(x))²]dx L andp – f q – f for allq P withA[q] L. represents an arbitrary norm onC[a, b]. The constraintA[p] L might be interpreted physically as a materials constraint.In this paper we consider the questions of existence, uniqueness and characterization of constrained best approximations. In addition a bound, independent of degree, is found for the arc length of a best unconstrained Chebyshev polynomial approximation.The work of L. L. Keener is supported by the National Research Council of Canada Grant A8755.