Overparameterized Multiple Linear Regression as Hyper-Curve Fitting

Abstract

This work demonstrates that applying a fixed-effect multiple linear regression (MLR) model to an overparameterized dataset is mathematically equivalent to fitting a hyper-curve parameterized by a single scalar. This reformulation shifts the focus from global coefficients to individual predictors, allowing each to be modeled as a function of a common parameter. We prove that this overparameterized linear framework can yield exact predictions even when the underlying data contains nonlinear dependencies that violate classical linear assumptions. By employing parameterization in terms of the dependent variable and a monomial basis, we validate this approach on both synthetic and experimental datasets. Our results show that the hyper-curve perspective provides a robust framework for regularizing problems with noisy predictors and offers a systematic method for identifying and removing 'improper' predictors that degrade model generalizability.