Introduction

This chapter serves as an appetizer to the main course, maximum likelihood and nonlinear least squares. This is stated so boldly because many statistical problems of this type originate in estimation problems with maximum likelihood (or a similar criterion) as the goal. Our discussion begins with some of the background calculus and definitions. Next, the discussion turns to the safe and slow methods for optimization in a single variable, for which the statistical term “nonparametric” has the correct connotations. Next, the root-finding problem is addressed with the standard techniques, Newton and secant methods, followed by a brief presentation of convergence rates. After a short digression on stopping and condition, the multivariate problem is first approached with Newton's methods. After a second digression on numerical differentiation, quasi-Newton methods are discussed for optimization and nonlinear equations. Discussions of condition, scaling, and implementation conclude the chapter.

Some topics are not addressed in this discussion. One problem is the solution of polynomial equations, which arise rarely in an isolated form in statistics. Constrained optimization can often be avoided through reparameterization. The specialized problem of nonlinear regression is postponed until the next chapter, to be treated as a special topic in maximum likelihood.

Before attacking the problems at hand, it is wise to review some foundations to gain a clearer perspective of the situation. The cornerstone for everything are the first results of calculus, the primary tools in applied mathematics.