Activity Detail
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What Is a Linear Regression?
 


Activity Overview

In this activity, students create lists of data points, plot them on a graph, and determine the regression equation of the best fitting line. They also understand exactly how the linear regression is determined.

Before the Activity

  • See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
  • Print pages 31 - 39 from the attached PDF file for your class

    		•

    		During the Activity

    		Distribute the pages to the class.

    Follow the Activity procedures:

    Finding a Linear Equation:
  • Given a set of data points
  • Enter the x- and y- coordinates as lists
  • Graph the data as a scatter plot
  • Define a linear equation in the form y = mx + k
  • Use method of least squares to find the best fit
  • Observe that when the points are close to the line, the sum of the squares of distance from the line is the least
  • Enter arbitrary values of m (the slope), and k (the y-intercept) and plot the lines
  • Repeat the step until a line of best fit is obtained
  • Use the method of least squares on the calculator to determine the line of best fit


    • Calculating an Algebraic Equation for SS:
  • Observe that the equation to define the numerical value of best fit SS is quadratic for both m and k
  • Enter the terms of m and k and display the value of SS with undefined values of m and k
  • Observe the equation is a quadratic equation of the form y = ax2 + bx + c, which is the equation of a parabola, with a > 0

    		After the Activity

    		Review student results:
  • As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
  • Re-teach concepts as necessary

    		Other Downloads




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    Subject Area:
    Math : Algebra I : Linear Equations and Functions

    Author:
    Texas Instruments

    Level:
    9-12

    Activity Time:
    60 Minutes

    Device:
    TI-92 Plus / Voyage™ 200

    Apps:
     

    Software:
     

    Accessories:
     

    Other:
    This is Activity 5 from the EXPLORATIONS Book:
    Discovering Math on the Voyage 200.

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