Computation of Parameters in Linear Models - Linear Regression

Linear models with respect to the parameters represent the simplest case of parameter estimation from a computational point of view because there is no need for iterative computations. Unfortunately, the majority of process models encountered in chemical engineering practice are nonlinear. Linear regression has received considerable attention due to its significance as a tool in a variety of disciplines. Hence, there is a plethora of books on the subject (e.g., Draper and Smith, 1998; Freund and Minton, 1979; Hocking, 1996; Montgomery and Peck, 1992; Seber, 1977). The majority of these books has been written by statisticians.