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### 11.8 Curve Fitting

The `a F` command fits a set of data to a model formula, such as ‘`y = m x + b`’ where ‘`m`’ and ‘`b`’ are parameters to be determined. For a typical set of measured data there will be no single ‘`m`’ and ‘`b`’ that exactly fit the data; in this case, Calc chooses values of the parameters that provide the closest possible fit. The model formula can be entered in various ways after the key sequence `a F` is pressed.

If the letter `P` is pressed after `a F` but before the model description is entered, the data as well as the model formula will be plotted after the formula is determined. This will be indicated by a “P” in the minibuffer after the help message.