The present paper discusses the approximation by rational combinations
of {x(nj)}(infinity)(j=1) on the interval [-1, 1] for a given sequenc
e of nonnegative distinct increasing integers {n(j)}. We End that the
gaps between odd and even numbers or between even and odd numbers of t
his sequence might be essential in this rational approximation case. T
his behavior is different from the polynomial approximation case. (C)
1995 Academic Press, Inc.