On observations of points connected by a linear relation

Abstract

The problem of drawing the best straight line through a set of observed points is solved by a method shorter than those previously published. It is essential for the complete solution of the problem to obtain the most probable value of the ratio of the precision constants of the two observed sets of quantities and a new method is given for finding this ratio. Expressions for the errors in the position and inclination of the line are derived and a numerical example is added.