Line of Best Fit

Date: 8/1/96 at 11:21:22
From: Anonymous
Subject: Algebra/Graphing Equations

Dr. Math,

Is there a distinction generally made among the following?  
A best-fit line, a line of best fit, and a fitted line. To what extent 
are these synonymous?

Thanks!
J. Moore

Date: 8/1/96 at 23:2:12
From: Doctor Robert
Subject: Re: Algebra/Graphing Equations

Certainly the first two are synonymous.  Does a "fitted line" imply 
that the line is the one of best fit?  If so, then all three mean the 
same thing.

What does it mean?  It means that the line is such that the sum of the 
squares of the residuals is a minimum.

-Doctor Robert,  The Math Forum
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