Which of the following are true for the method of least squares?
I The method of least squares draws the "best" straight line through experimental data points.
II The equation for a straight line is y = bx + m.
III Deviations in y are minimized because the uncertainty in y is assumed to be greater than the uncertainty in x.
IV The slope and y-intercept are calculated using determinants.
A)I,II,and III
B)I,III,and IV
C)I,II,and IV
D)II,III,and IV
E)III and IV

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Option I is true as the method of least squares is used to find the line that minimizes the sum of the squared distances between the observed data points and the line.
Option III is true because the method of least squares minimizes the sum of the squares of the vertical deviations between the observed points and the fitted line. 
Option IV is not true as the method of least squares uses a system of equations to calculate the slope and y-intercept. Option II is not mentioned in the context of the method of least squares, as the slope and y-intercept can be represented by any linear equation (not necessarily y = bx + m). Therefore, the correct option is B.

Which of the Following Are True for the Method of Least