For n ordered pairs (x, y ), we calculate: , , sx , sy , and r . Then we have:
example: For the hours studied (x ) versus score (y ) study, the LSRL is ŷ = 59.03 + 6.77x . We
asked earlier what score would we predict for someone who studied 2.75 hours. Plugging this
value into the LSRL, we have ŷ = 59.03 + 6.77(2.75) = 77.63. It’s important to understand that
this is the predicted value, not the exact value such a person will necessarily get.
example: Consider once again the computer printout for the data of the preceding example:
Exam Tip: An AP Exam question in which you are asked to determine the regression equation from the
printout has been common. Be sure you know where the intercept and slope of the regression line are
located in the printout (they are under “Coef”).
The regression equation is given as “ = 59 + 6.77 Hours.” The y -intercept, which is the
predicted score when the number of hours studied is zero, and the slope of the regression line are listed in
the table under the column “Coef.”
example: We saw earlier that the calculator output for these data was
The values of a and b are given as part of the output. Remember that these values were obtained by