Suppose that it is desired to fit a curve of the form y = x to a

Suppose that it is desired to fit a curve of the form y = αxβ to a given set of n points (xi , yi) with xi > 0 and yi > 0 for i = 1, . . . , n. Explain how this curve can be fitted either by direct application of the method of least squares or by first transforming the problem into one of fitting a straight line to the n points (log xi , log yi) and then applying the method of least squares. Discuss the conditions under which each of these methods is appropriate.