The least-squares criterion is a method of measuring the accuracy of a line in depicting the data that was used to generate it. That is, the formula determines the line of best fit.

Calculating a Least Squares Regression Line: Equation, Example, Explanation If you want a simple explanation of how to calculate and draw a line of best fit through your data, read on! ... The second ...

The "Analysis of Weighted-Least-Squares Estimates" table lists the parameters and their estimates for the model, as well as the standard errors, ... mean colds = 0×(45/180) + 1×(64/180) + 2×(71/180) = ...