On the K-functional in learning theory

[Formula: see text]-functionals are used in learning theory literature to study approximation errors in kernel-based regularization schemes. In this paper, we study the approximation error and [Formula: see text]-functionals in [Formula: see text] spaces with [Formula: see text]. To this end, we give a new viewpoint for a reproducing kernel Hilbert space (RKHS) from a fractional derivative and treat powers of the induced integral operator as fractional derivatives of various orders. Then a generalized translation operator is defined by Fourier multipliers, with which a generalized modulus of smoothness is defined. Some general strong equivalent relations between the moduli of smoothness and the [Formula: see text]-functionals are established. As applications, some strong equivalent relations between these two families of quantities on the unit sphere and the unit ball are provided explicitly.