Apple iWork '09 - Manual (Page 263)

Chapter 10 Statistical Functions 263
 x-numbers: The collection containing the x (independent) values. x-numbers is a
collection containing number values.
Usage Notes
The two arrays must be of the same size. Â
To find the slope of the best-fit line, use the SLOPE function. Â
Example
In this example, the INTERCEPT function is used to determine the y-intercept of the best-fit line
for the temperature that this hypothetical homeowner has set on the thermostat (the dependent
variable), based on the price of heating oil (the independent variable).
=INTERCEPT(B2:B11, A2:A11) evaluates to approximately 78, above the highest hypothetical value as
the best-fit line sloping downward (as prices rose, the thermostat was lowered).
Related Topics
For related functions and additional information, see:
“SLOPE” on page 287
“Listing of Statistical Functions” on page 225
“Value Types” on page 36
“The Elements of Formulas” on page 15
“Using the Keyboard and Mouse to Create and Edit Formulas” on page 26
“Pasting from Examples in Help” on page 41