Local approximation of functions with several variables

This paper presents the problem of local approximation of scalar functions with several variables, including points of non-differentiability. The procedure considers that the mapping displays rates of change of power type with respect to linear changes in the coordinate domain, and the exponents are not necessarily integer. The approach provides a formula describing the local variability of scalar fields which contains and generalizes Taylor's formula of first order. The functions giving the contact are Müntz polynomials. The knowledge of their coefficients and exponents enables the finding of local extremes including cases of non-smoothness. Sufficient conditions for the existence of global maxima and minima of concave-convex functions are obtained as well.