method of least squares
- noun
- Specialized
:
método de mínimos cuadrados
- In statistical analysis, the method of least squares helps to minimize the error between predicted and actual data points.
- method of least squares is used
Examples
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Using the method of least squares, the team was able to create an accurate model from the observed values.
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The researchers employed the method of least squares to fit a curve to their experimental data.
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Finally, we carried out a multivariate analysis of the data using the method of least squares as discussed above.
Academic text (2003) -
Fourth, we analyzed the data using the method of least squares for correlated input data.
Academic text (2003) -
The method of least squares was used to obtain the best-fitting linear regression model to the root mean squared (RMS) values of the VMG and the EMG.
Academic text (1996)
Synonyms
1
7.0
A method that fits a line or curve to data by making squared errors as small as possible
Surface Forms
Morphology
The components 'method' (procedure), 'least' (smallest), and 'squares' (squared values) give a literal hint that this is a procedure involving minimizing squared quantities, so there is a partial compositional cue. However, the precise sense—minimizing the sum of squared errors to fit a curve or line—is a technical statistical concept that a B1 learner who only knows the individual words is unlikely to infer without domain knowledge. Because the phrase gives some transparent clues but requires specialized understanding to reach the exact meaning, it is best classified as semi-transparent.
Etymology
Method of least squares comes from a simple picture: imagine points on a graph and a line or curve through them. You measure each point's distance to the line, make each distance a square (multiply it by itself), and choose the line with the least total of these squares. So, the phrase means 'pick the curve that makes the total of the squared distances as small as possible', which is why we use it to find the best fit.