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6 - Fitting a Line to x–y Data Using the Method of Least Squares

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 August 2019

Les Kirkup
Les Kirkup
Affiliation:
University of Technology, Sydney
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Summary

This chapter introduces the technique of fitting equations to data using least squares. Both unweighted fitting and weighted fitting are considered. Worked examples are included in the chapter. The technique described can be extended to situations where equations have more than two parameters. Discussion is confined to cases where there is a linear relationship between x and y and the errors in measured quantities are limited to the y quantity.

Keywords

least squares slopeinterceptfitting equationsweighted fitcorrelation coefficient
Type
Chapter
Information
Experimental Methods for Science and Engineering Students
An Introduction to the Analysis and Presentation of Data
 , pp. 111 - 138
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2019

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