ESDU 86026 gives three methods by which a polynomial equation can be used for a cam law that will satisfy certain motion requirements (displacement@ velocity@ acceleration@ etc) at specified points. One method uses a single minimum-order polynomial for a complete motion segment in which the number of successive power terms satisfies the number of motion conditions set. A Fortran program for the evaluation of the coefficients (ESDUpac A8626) is available on disc in the software volume@ both uncompiled and compiled within ESDUview@ a user-friendly shell that prompts for input data on-screen. A second method is exponent manipulation in which the number of terms is the same as for the minimum-order equation@ but the powers now increase in equal steps. Such equations are formulated initially to meet only boundary conditions@ but can satisfy precision points. The final approach is blending@ in which the motion segment is divided into portions@ the intersection of which is chosen at each precision point and on which each portion uses a single minimum-order polynomial. The method of ensuring continuity of motion across the intersections is explained. Comprehensive worked examples illustrate and compare the methods.