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Formatting Chart Elements
The following are the analysis elements:
■ Trendline—If you ask for a trendline, Excel uses regression analysis to fit your exist-
ing data points to a statistical line. You can have Excel extend this line into future time
periods. In Figure 2.3, the dotted trendline shows that unless you alter the system-
generating actuals, you will likely miss the goal.
■ Drop lines—Drop lines are vertical lines that extend from the data point to the hori-
zontal axis in either line or area charts. These lines are helpful because they enable the
reader to locate the exact point where the line intersects the axis.
■ Up/down bars—When you ...