Data analysis POLYMATH

In nonlinear least squares analysis we search for those parameter values that minimize the sum of squares of the differences between the measured values and the calculated values for all the data points. Many software programs are available to find these parameter values and all one has to do is to enter the data. The POLYMATH software will be used to illustrate this technique. In order to cany out the search efficiently, in some cases one has to enter initial estimates of the parameter values close to the actual values. These estimates can be obtained using the linear-least-squares technique just discussed. 

POLYMATH polynomial analysis. The second, third, fourth, and fifth columns of the processed data in Table E5-I.3 are plotted in Figure E5-1.3 to determine the reaction order and specific reaction rate. 

---