Fill in the blank: when using the least squares method, the line of best fit is the line that
a. minimizes the total area of the error squares on the scatterplot
b. minimizes the sum of the squared deviations of the data points from the line
c. both a and b
d. none of the above

D

Step-by-step explanation: A line of best fit is a straight line that is the best approximation of the given set of data. It is used to study the nature of the relation between two variables.

if the eqn of the parabola is f(x) = (x-4)(x+2), we need to mult. this out to find the coordinates of the vertex.

then f(x) = x^2 + 2x - 4x - 8, and f(x) = x^2 - 2x - 8.

one way in which you can find the vertex is to calculate x = -b / (2a).   here, that comes to

        )

x = = 1.   f(1) = 1^2 - 2(1) - 8 = - 9.   vertex is at (1, -9).

        2(1) 

find another point on the curve:   let x=0, for which y=-8.   then (0, -8) is on the curve.   plot the vertex and this point and draw a smooth parabola thru both.

hope this

answer: 48

just remember to use pemdas:

parentheses

expressions

multiplication

division

addition

subtraction