Education Technology


Least-Squares Data Fitting

Activity Overview

Students will generate an equation from data points based on minimizing the sum of squares of the vertical distances from each point.

Before the Activity

See the attached Activity PDF file(s) for detailed instructions for this activity.

During the Activity

Follow the procedures outlined in the activity.

Students will:

  • Be able to minimize the vertical distances between the data points and possible regression curves using derivatives.
  • Determine the optimal curve of best fit.
  • After the Activity

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