Various approaches to solving nonlinear equations

Abstract

Modelling real world systems frequently requires the solution of systems of nonlinear equations. A number of approaches have been suggested and developed for this computational problem. However, it is also possible to attempt solutions using more general nonlinear least squares or function minimization techniques. There are concerns, nonetheless, that we may fail to find solutions, or that the process will be inefficient. Examples are presented with R with the goal of providing guidance on the solution of nonlinear equations problems.