Statistics · Data presentation
Chapter 1 · 4
The idea
Exponential models and regression
Fitting y = ab^x and y = ax^n to data by taking logs to get a straight line, then reading the constants off a regression line of log y on x (or on log x), and using the model to predict.
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Statistics · Data presentation
Exponential models and regression
Fitting y = ab^x and y = ax^n to data by taking logs to get a straight line, then reading the constants off a regression line of log y on x (or on log x), and using the model to predict.
Why it works
Straightening a curve with logs
The regression tool only knows how to draw straight lines — but lots of real data isn't straight. Populations, investments and radioactive samples follow exponential laws , and many physical relationships follow power laws . The fix is not to change the tool but to change the axes: take logarithms, and these curves become straight lines you can regress.The exponential model y = abˣ
Take logs of both sides and compare with :Keep reading — free
The rest of the explanation, plus 3 worked examples you step through move by move.
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