Piecewise linear approximation is a method used to approximate complex functions or data sets by dividing them into segments and representing each segment with a linear function. This technique simplifies analysis and computation while maintaining a reasonable level of accuracy, making it useful in various fields such as optimization, signal processing, and numerical analysis.
The base address is the starting point in memory from which a data structure or program segment is accessed, serving as a reference for calculating the locations of data elements within the structure. It is crucial in memory management and addressing, impacting how efficiently a program can access and manipulate data.