We use the form
ŷ = a + bx for the
least-squares line. In some computer printouts, the least-squares
equation is not given directly. Instead, the value of the constant
a is given, and the coefficient b of the
explanatory or predictor variable is displayed. Sometimes
a is referred to as the constant, and sometimes as the
intercept. Data from a report showed the following relationship
between elevation (in thousands of feet) and average number of
frost-free days per year...