The growth of children from early childhood through adolescence generally follows a linear pattern. Data on the heights of female Americans during childhood, from four to nine years old, were compiled and the least squares regression line was obtained as y = 32 + 2.4 x where y is the predicted height in centimeters, and x is age in years.

Let's Do It! 7.6

FEEDBACK

Interpret the value of the estimated slope b = 2.4.

Would interpretation of the value of the estimated y-intercept, a = 32, make sense here?

What would you predict the height to be for a female American at 8 years old?

What would you predict the height to be for a female American at 25 years old? How does the quality of this answer compare to the previous question?