English

Solving the Likelihood Equations

Statistics Theory 2007-06-13 v2 Algebraic Geometry Optimization and Control Statistics Theory

Abstract

Given a model in algebraic statistics and some data, the likelihood function is a rational function on a projective variety. Algebraic algorithms are presented for computing all critical points of this function, with the aim of identifying the local maxima in the probability simplex. Applications include models specified by rank conditions on matrices and the Jukes-Cantor models of phylogenetics. The maximum likelihood degree of a generic complete intersection is also determined.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.math/0408270,
  title  = {Solving the Likelihood Equations},
  author = {Serkan Hosten and Amit Khetan and Bernd Sturmfels},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:math/0408270},
  year   = {2007}
}

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20 pages