The best fitting line relating the dependent variable y to the independent variable x, often called the regression or least-squares line, is found by minimizing the sum of the squared differences between the data points and the line itself.

Regression Line

A line of best fit through a set of data points in regression analysis, used to model the relationship between two variables.

Dependent Variable

The component in an experiment or research that is foreseen to shift following changes in the independent variable.

Independent Variable

A variable often denoted as x, whose variation does not depend on that of another.