Average of power curve functions

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining an 'average' power curve function from a set of generated power curve functions. Participants explore different interpretations of what constitutes an average in this context, considering both mathematical and practical implications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks to find an average function that represents a set of power curve functions generated by a program.
  • Another participant questions the meaning of 'average' in this context, suggesting that clarification is needed.
  • A participant proposes calculating the mean of the coefficients and the exponents separately to derive an average function.
  • There is skepticism about the simplicity of averaging, with one participant expressing concern about the complexity of the task.
  • A later reply emphasizes the importance of understanding the purpose of the average function, noting that it is intended to approximate the faulty motion reporting of a mouse sensor.
  • The participant explains that the data is noisy and that averaging over many iterations should yield a reasonable approximation, while acknowledging limitations in precision.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best method to calculate the average function, and multiple interpretations of 'average' remain in discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the need for clarity regarding the intended use of the average function and acknowledge that the task may involve complexities not initially considered.

Labyrinth
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I have a program that generates a bunch of power curve functions and would like to know what the 'average' function between all of them would be.

Here is my data set so far:

4.638013x^0.076682586
4.834884x^0.034875062
4.0432342x^0.13476002
3.8535004x^0.12178477

How do I do this, and what is the average function for this particular set?

Thank you for your time.
 
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It depends on what you mean by 'average'.
 
I think the mean would be ideal.

I'm looking at it from a graph standpoint, where I want to find one curve that best represents them all.
 
I would lean toward taking the average of the four coefficients (the numbers in front of the power functions), and the average of the four exponents. That would certainly give you a function whose graph would be somewhere in the middle of the other four.
 
Is it really that simple? I guess I had delusions of complexity.

Anyways thanks for your help.
 
Labyrinth said:
Is it really that simple?

The un-simple task you have not done is to figure out precisely what you are trying to accomplish. What do you intend to use this "average" function for?
 
Stephen Tashi said:
The un-simple task you have not done is to figure out precisely what you are trying to accomplish. What do you intend to use this "average" function for?

I'm attempting to approximate the faulty motion reporting of a mouse sensor in terms of a power curve which it doesn't really follow but is available to mimic in settings available with many interfaces that support acceleration. The data I get is a bit noisy, so I take a sample, approximate its curve with a graphing program, take another sample, approximate that one, and so on. Over many iterations the 'average' function between them all should be a reasonable approximation.

There's a definite limit on the precision as long as only a simple power curve is available. It's more precisely described as a higher order polynomial. At a later date I may get into its exact description in these terms but for now a simple power curve takes priority.
 

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