DS MathLesson 11Free preview

DS Slope and Intercept

This lesson is part of Data Science · All levels

Summary

In the linear model y = mx + c, slope (m) describes the direction and strength of the relationship, while intercept (c) is the value of y when x is equal to zero. The slope is calculated as Îy divided by Îx, i.e. change of y per unit change of x. The second interpretation is the basis for reading the results of the regression model.

Key points

Intercept = the value of y when x = 0.
Slope = Îy / Îx, constant along a linear line.
Positive slope: x goes up, y goes up; negative: the opposite.
For example: y is 2x plus 5, so when x is 3, y is 11.
Intercept becomes the estimate of the target when the entire predictor is zero.

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