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View Full Version : Finding the error on an intercept, given two points with errors.


ghetom
Oct31-10, 11:02 AM
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

(The question is about micro vertex detectors, but I've distilled it into what needs to be done)

You have two points (x1,y1 and x2,y2), assumed to lie on a straight line. The points have a one sigma uncertainty of d. x1 and x2 are seperated by a distance L (much greater than d), and x1 is R (plus or minus any error). Find the error on the y-intercept; a.

2. Relevant equations

y = mx + a
\hat{y} = y + \epsilon
\hat{x} = x + \chi

3. The attempt at a solution

Unfortunantly nothing remotely useful so far...