PRC-2 · Chapter 10 · Question 55 of 60
Which specific mathematical criterion does the 'Method of Least Squares' utilize to determine the optimal line of best fit?
Test yourself: pick an answer
Reveal answer & explanation
Correct answer: B) It strictly minimizes the sum of the squared vertical deviations (residuals) between the actual data points and the regression line.
Explanation
The least squares regression line is mathematically derived by strictly minimizing the total sum of the squares of the vertical errors (the physical difference between the observed Y values and the regression's predicted Y values).
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