Math & Statistics

What Is Linear Regression?

Linear regression is a statistical method that fits a straight line through data to describe the relationship between a variable being predicted and one or more predictor variables. The simple form is y = a + bx, where b is the slope showing how much y changes for each one-unit change in x.

Line of Best Fit

The standard method, least squares, chooses the line that minimizes the sum of squared differences between actual and predicted values.

Uses

Forecasting sales, estimating trends, and many machine learning models start from linear regression.

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🔗 Related Terms

Correlation Supervised Learning Mean (Average) Variance

More Math & Statistics Terms

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Last updated: September 29, 2026. This definition is for general educational purposes only. It is not financial, investment, tax, legal, or medical advice, and it does not recommend any product or course of action. For decisions about your own situation, consult a qualified professional.