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Least squares fitting to a straight line
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To determine the linear relationship between two variables: y and x there may be up to 2 parameters: slope, m and intercept, c.

We show two examples: 

  • straight line through the origin, and 

  • straight line with intercept 

The value of chi-squared: is calculated in each case with y(xi) = mxi [+c]. 

Vary m (and c), by dragging the straight line on the graph, to find the lowest value of C2

How well did you do?

Hit the lower bar to change the type of line being fitted.

 

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