How to Graph the Line of Best Fit on Your TI Graphing Calculator

The "line of best fit" is a line on a scatter plot that shows data in a perfect ascending or descending order. Graphing the line involves finding the appropriate order for your pieces of data to go in. If you want to graph the line of best fit on a Texas Instruments graphing calculator, you're in luck. All graphing calculators by TI are specifically designed to do just that, among other functions.

Instructions

1. Press the "ON" button to turn on your Texas Instruments graphing calculator.

2. Press the "STAT" button. Select the "EDIT" option from the top of your calculator screen.

3. Use the number keys on the front of your calculator to enter your plot points into the boxes that represent the "L1" and "L2" columns. Additional columns are available if you need additional axes on your graph. Enter a number into the first box and press the "Down" arrow key on the calculator to select the next line.

4. Press the "STAT" button again. Select the "CALC" option from the top of your calculator screen. Select the fourth option from the list: "LineReg." This is the option that represents the line of best fit.

5. Press the "Graph" button. The calculator will now use the data you entered and graph the line of best fit on screen.

References

• Oregon State University: TI-83 Guidebook
• Oswego City School District Regents Exam Prep Center: Line of Best Fit With a Calculator