Uniform linear approximation in normed linear spaces

Abstract

It has been shown that the theory of H-sets is important in the characterization of best uniform approximation of continuous real-or complex-valued functions. We here extend the theory of H-sets to the more general setting of functions with compact domain and with range contained in a Banach space. Using the definitions of H-sets, we construct a maximal linear functional and obtain inclusion theorems analogous to the classical case. It is then a simple matter to deduce a characterization of best approximation and show when uniqueness and strong uniqueness are achieved.