Least squares/normal equations problem

[Gameowner]

Homework Statement

Attached

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

I'm quite confused in what this problem is trying to ask, what would the matrices A's entries consist of?

Would it be easier to work backwards from the summation to get to the normal equation?

Any tips and hints would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Stephen Tashi]

The attachment didn't explain what $f$ is. Is it supposed to be arbitrary?

 

[Gameowner]

The attachment didn't explain what $f$ is. Is it supposed to be arbitrary?

Hey, thanks for your reply. There were a bit of info attached to the homework sheet. I've attached the background that was given to us. However, it doesn't specify a certain f so I assume it's arbitrary?

It would be easier for me to attempt the question if I knew where to begin...

 

[Stephen Tashi]

I don't understand the question either. If $f$ is arbitrary, it's an arbitrary what? - a function of one real variable? And what is $x_j$? In one of the attachments, it was a coefficient of a power of the variable $t$.