8th Grade · Statistics & Probability
Line of Best Fit
8.SP.A.2
Definition
A straight line drawn through scatter-plot data to model the overall trend, positioned so the points are balanced as closely as possible around it.
Examples
- The line follows the data's overall direction, even without touching every point.
- About as many points fall above the line as below it.
Key rule
The line of best fit does not need to touch every point — it captures the overall direction.
Memory hook
The line that best follows the trend.