On copositive approximation by algebraic polynomials (Q1908570)

The author considers the degree of approximation of a function \(f\in C[-1,1 ]\) which changes its sign at a given set or \(r\geq 1\) points, \(-1< y_1< \cdots< y_r< 1\), by algebraic polynomials which change sign at exactly the same points. Such approximation is called copositive approximation. At the time the paper was written it was known that one can have the Jackson estimate with an absolute constant, involving the modulus of continuity of \(f\), also for the degree of copositive polynomial approximation [the reviewer, Proc. Am. Math. Soc. 88, 101-105 (1983; Zbl 0532.41007)]; and with a constant which depends on the location of the sign changes, involving the second modulus of smoothness of \(f\) [\textit{Y. K. Hu}, the reviewer, and \textit{X. M. Yu}, J. Anal. 1, 85-90 (1993; Zbl 0770.41008)]. On the other hand, it was shown by \textit{S. P. Zhou} [Isr. J. Math. 78, No. 1, 75-83 (1992; Zbl 0769.41028)]\ that one cannot get an estimate involving the fourth modulus of smoothness. Here the author closes the gap between the two results by proving that it is possible to obtain the Jackson rate involving even the Ditzian-Totik third modulus of smoothness, with a constant that depends only on \(r\), the number of sign changes, provided one takes polynomials of sufficiently high degree. How big should the degree be dependent on the location of the sign changes. This implies also that the Jackson estimate holds for the third modulus of smoothness of \(f\), with a constant that depends on the location of the sign changes.