Linear regression is a statistical method used to model the relationship between two variables when data is given as pairs of points (x,y). We fit a straight line (called the regression line) that minimizes the average vertical distance from the points:

The general equation of the regression line is:

where a is the slope and b is the y-intercept.

The values of a and b can be found using a calculator.

Example

Using a calculator, we find a=3.1 and b=−0.7. So the regression line is y=3.1x−0.7.