Learning objectives

• Distinguish constrained and unconstrained optimization
• Compare two methods: find critical points, do gradient search.
• Formulate curve fitting as an optimization problem

Before class

• Read Hughes-Hallett section 15.2
• Ponder Hughes-Hallett problems:  15.2: 2, 23, 24, 28.

In class

• Mathematica notebook on curve fitting (work in progress)
• Gradient flow
• Wikipedia on gradient search
• Gradient search – step by step

Daily Schedule|WeBWorK|Assignments