Least squares regression and residualsEdexcel A-Level Further Maths: Mind map
Sums of squares
The line
Residuals
Least squares regression
fit a line, check the residuals
residualRSS
RSS
Checking the model
Interpretation
Exam questions on Least squares regression and residuals
- A researcher models the relationship between a variable and a variable using the least squares regression line of on , . Summary statistics from the data give , , and .One observation is , . Calculate the residual for this observation.2 marks
- A student records the number of hours, , spent revising and the score, , out of 40, on a test for 5 students: , , , , . The summary statistics are , , , , and .The regression line is . Interpret the value in context, and explain why the line should not be used to predict the score of a student who revises for 15 hours.2 marks
- A café owner records the midday temperature, C, and the number of cold drinks sold, , on six days: , , , , , . The summary statistics are , , , , and .Find the equation of the regression line of on .3 marks
Written by the Exaim team, led by Shaun Daswani (Head of Upper Secondary, Improve ME Institute; MSc Financial Mathematics, Imperial College London; BSc, UCL) and Jason Daswani (operational lead, Improve ME Institute; LSE).