Main content
Course: Statistics and probability > Unit 5
Lesson 4: Least-squares regression equationsIntroduction to residuals
Build a basic understanding of what a residual is.
We run into a problem in stats when we're trying to fit a line to data points in a scatter plot. The problem is this: It's hard to say for sure which line fits the data best.
For example, imagine three scientists, , , and , are working with the same data set. If each scientist draws a different line of fit, how do they decide which line is best?
If only we had some way to measure how well each line fit each data point...
Residuals to the rescue!
A residual is a measure of how well a line fits an individual data point.
Consider this simple data set with a line of fit drawn through it
and notice how point is units above the line:
This vertical distance is known as a residual. For data points above the line, the residual is positive, and for data points below the line, the residual is negative.
For example, the residual for the point is :
The closer a data point's residual is to , the better the fit. In this case, the line fits the point better than it fits the point .
Try to find the remaining residuals yourself
Want to join the conversation?
No posts yet.