Syntax for this function:
LINEST(known_y's,known_x's)
Although there are two extra arguments, in your case you can disregard them. Has to be entered as an array formula. Because the array formula will return two results (slope and intercept), select a range of two cells, type the array formula and press CTRL+SHIFT+ENTER.
Ex. LINEST({1,3,4,4,7},{2,3,4,5,7}) will return m=1.09 and b=-0.79, hence the best fit line:
y = 1.09 x - 0.79
If you have ten points, the y's and x's arrays will contain ten elements each.

Mar 13th, 2002, 06:42 PM	#1
curator New Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 29	Is there a way to do a best fit line when I have 10 data points that are all over the place?? if so how help thanks -curator

Mar 13th, 2002, 08:30 PM	#2
Corni Board Regular Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Brampton Posts: 324	Use LINEST worksheet function.

Mar 14th, 2002, 05:41 PM	#3
curator New Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 29	How do I do that exactly?? thanks -Curator

Mar 14th, 2002, 09:06 PM	#4
Corni Board Regular Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Brampton Posts: 324	Syntax for this function: LINEST(known_y's,known_x's) Although there are two extra arguments, in your case you can disregard them. Has to be entered as an array formula. Because the array formula will return two results (slope and intercept), select a range of two cells, type the array formula and press CTRL+SHIFT+ENTER. Ex. LINEST({1,3,4,4,7},{2,3,4,5,7}) will return m=1.09 and b=-0.79, hence the best fit line: y = 1.09 x - 0.79 If you have ten points, the y's and x's arrays will contain ten elements each.

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