Data Science Programming All-in-One For Dummies

Chapter 1

Working with Linear Regression

IN THIS CHAPTER

Considering the uses for linear regression

Working with variables

Using linear regression for prediction

Learning with linear regression

Some people find linear regression a confusing topic, so the first part of this chapter helps you understand it and what makes it special. Instead of assuming that you can simply look at a linear regression and figure it out, the first section gives you a more detailed understanding of both simple and multiple linear regressions.

Data science is based on data, and you store data in variables. A variable is a kind box where you stuff data. The second part of this chapter tells you how variables used for linear regression can vary from other sorts of variables that you might have used in the past. Just as you need the right box to use for a given purpose, so is getting the right variable for your data important.

The third part of this chapter looks at both simple and complex uses of linear regression. You begin by using linear regression to make predictions, which can help you envision the ...