Least squares linear regression: interpreting slope and intercept in context

What this note covers

1. What the least squares line is and why it is the line we use
2. Finding the equation with technology and writing it properly
3. Interpreting the slope b in context
4. Interpreting the intercept a in context — and when it is meaningless
5. Using the equation: predicting y, solving for x, and Show that parts
6. Worked example: full regression treatment of a data set
7. Common structures examiners build around the regression line
8. How this is examined in the SACE paper — and what separates a top answer

8 sections · 12 key terms & formulas · 6 common mistakes