Journal Published Online: 01 March 1986
Volume 14, Issue 2

A Better Way to Present Results from a Least-Squares Fit to Experimental Data: An Example from Microhardness Testing

CODEN: JTEVAB

Abstract

Fitting a straight line to data using the least-squares method is very often the method of choice when presenting experimental results. When there are a number of sets of data, each with its fitted line, it can be difficult at first to appreciate the meaning of the results. Also, parameters calculated from least-squares fits are often quoted without estimates of accuracy, even when the original data contain considerable scatter.

A method is described here that aids the assimilation of a number of least-squares fits and takes full account of estimates of accuracy.

Author Information

Sargent, PM
Materials Group, Cambridge University Engineering Department, Cambridge, England
Pages: 6
Price: $25.00
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Details
Stock #: JTE10330J
ISSN: 0090-3973
DOI: 10.1520/JTE10330J