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Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons

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Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Fitting Parameter Uncertainties In Least Squares Fitting, R. Steven Turley Sep 2018

Fitting Parameter Uncertainties In Least Squares Fitting, R. Steven Turley

Faculty Publications

This article review the theory and practice of computing uncertainties in the fit parameters in least squares fits. It shows how to estimate the uncertainties and gives some numerical examples in Julia of their use. Examples are given and validated for both linear and nonlinear fits.


Polynomial Fitting, R. Steven Turley Sep 2018

Polynomial Fitting, R. Steven Turley

Faculty Publications

This article reviews the theory and some good practice for fitting polynomials to data. I show by theory and example why fitting using a basis of orthogonal polynomials rather than monomials is desirable. I also show how to scale the independent variable for a more stable fit. I also demonstrate how to compute the uncertainty in the fit parameters. Finally, I discuss regression analysis: how to determine whether adding an additional term to the fit is justified.