Linear least squares, the spreadsheet, and Filip
Robert de Levie · American Journal of Physics · 2007
The numerical analysis of a NIST reference data set on a spreadsheet is illustrated in detail. We describe several interesting features, such as an efficient way of centering when fitting data to a high-order polynomial, and a little-known aspect of the imprecision of the imprecision. We also discuss a powerful alternative to standard matrix inversion, an extended set of add-in matrix functions for Excel, and software for making spreadsheet calculations with extended number length.