Equal and Unequal n and Equal and Unequal Intervals in Trend Analyses

Abstract

Four possible cases in trend analyses are discussed: unequal n-unequal intervals, unequal n-equal intervals, equal n-unequal intervals, equal n-equal intervals. The presence of unequal n (with equal or unequal intervals) usually produces nonorthogonality of components, necessitating corrective procedures. The suggested procedure is the use of n in equations to derive the orthogonal polynomial coefficients. Unequal intervals (with equal or unequal n) requires that the orthogonal polynomial coefficients be derived because tabled coefficients are not appropriate.