line of best fit

noun

A line on a scatter plot that best defines or expresses the trend shown in the plotted points. It is chosen so that the sum of the squares of the distances from the points to the line is a minimum. It also illustrates the correlation (positive, negative, or zero correlation) between the plotted variables.

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Meanings

nounline of best fit (plural lines of best fit)

plural lines of best fit

  1. mathematicsA line on a scatter plot that best defines or expresses the trend shown in the plotted points. It is chosen so that the sum of the squares of the distances from the points to the line is a minimum. It also illustrates the correlation (positive, negative, or zero correlation) between the plotted variables.
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APA

line of best fit. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/line%20of%20best%20fit

MLA

“line of best fit.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/line%20of%20best%20fit. Accessed November 5, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “line of best fit,” accessed November 5, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/line%20of%20best%20fit.

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