Representer theorem

The representer theorem is like a shortcut. It says that if you want to find a shape, like a line or curve, that fits a set of points, like a bunch of dots on a graph, then you can use a simpler formula. Instead of having to figure out the exact shape that fits all the dots, you can just add up a bunch of simpler shapes in different places. The representer theorem says that whichever combination of shapes you pick, as long as they're all simple enough, they should still fit the dots and give you the same answer as if you had figured out the exact shape.