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Curve Fitting Review

The document presents a general-purpose reasoning table for evaluating curve fitting models, addressing key questions regarding monotonicity, domain, range, trend, intercepts, asymptotes, overfitting, extrapolation, and parameter sensitivity. Each question includes a definition, what to ask, and a general explanation if the answer is affirmative. This structured approach aids in determining the appropriateness of a curve fitting model in various contexts.

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Harvey Ong
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4 views2 pages

Curve Fitting Review

The document presents a general-purpose reasoning table for evaluating curve fitting models, addressing key questions regarding monotonicity, domain, range, trend, intercepts, asymptotes, overfitting, extrapolation, and parameter sensitivity. Each question includes a definition, what to ask, and a general explanation if the answer is affirmative. This structured approach aids in determining the appropriateness of a curve fitting model in various contexts.

Uploaded by

Harvey Ong
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Curve Fitting Evaluation: General-Purpose Reasoning Table

This table helps you systematically evaluate if a curve fitting model is appropriate. Each column asks a
standard question and provides a professional, general-purpose explanation that can be used in exam
answers.

❓ Question Definition + What to Ask If Yes, General Explanation

If the system being modeled is cumulative


A function is monotonic if it
or irreversible, a monotonic model is often
always increases or always
required. Non-monotonic behavior may
Is it monotonic? decreases. Ask: Does 𝑦 always
indicate a poor model fit or that the model
increase or decrease as 𝑥
is capturing noise rather than meaningful
increases?
trend.

A mismatch between model domain and


The domain refers to the valid
real-world values can lead to undefined
Is the domain input range for 𝑥. Ask: Does the
behavior or incorrect predictions. Validity
appropriate? model accept all values of 𝑥 used
within the appropriate input range is critical
in the real system?
for accuracy.

The range is the set of 𝑦-values Outputs that exceed known boundaries
Is the range produced. Ask: Are the outputs (e.g., negative mass, more than 100%
appropriate? within realistic or physically probability) suggest the model does not
possible limits? respect physical or logical constraints.

Trend refers to overall shape:


The general shape should match what is
Does the trend linear, accelerating, decelerating,
known about the process. Misalignment can
make physical oscillating. Ask: Does the curve's
indicate wrong assumptions or an
sense? shape match expected behavior of
inappropriate model structure.
the real system?

Intercepts often represent starting


Are the Intercepts are where the model
conditions. Unreasonable values here can
intercepts meets axes. Ask: Are values at x =
disqualify the model from representing real
reasonable? 0 and y = 0 physically plausible?
processes accurately.

Asymptotes are limits the curve Asymptotic behavior should match real
Are there approaches but never reaches. constraints like saturation, decay, or
asymptotes? Ask: Does the model flatten or boundary conditions. If asymptotes exist,
diverge as x increases? they must reflect actual system limits.

1
❓ Question Definition + What to Ask If Yes, General Explanation

Overfitting means the model


Models that fit perfectly may fail to
exactly matches data, including
generalize. Overfitting is particularly risky
Does it overfit? noise. Ask: Is the model too
when extrapolating, and usually indicates
complex for the number of data
excessive model complexity.
points?

Extrapolation uses the model


Extrapolation is risky unless the model form
beyond the observed data. Ask:
Is extrapolation is grounded in theory. Many models behave
Does the model make realistic
valid? unpredictably outside training data and
predictions for x-values beyond
should not be trusted without justification.
the dataset?

Parameter sensitivity refers to


Models that are too sensitive to their
how much the model changes
Can parameters parameters can be unstable. Understanding
with small parameter
cause major parameter influence helps prevent
adjustments. Ask: Does changing
changes? misinterpretation and ensures model
one parameter drastically alter the
robustness.
shape or meaning?

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