<p>I edited <a href="https://stats.stackexchange.com/questions/518900/what-is-rate-distortion-theory-and-why-is-mutual-information-minimized-in-the-ra">this question</a> to make it more general and to be more clear about what the OP was asking. I also edited it so that I can provide a brief overview of what rate distortion theory is and to answer the question in detail. My edit was approved, but the question wasn't re-opened. I've already prepared a detailed answer, but I can't post it since the question wasn't re-opened. I also don't want to post a similar question with my own answer to avoid a duplicate.</p>
<p>Any suggestions?</p>
