LinRegSlope

Analysis Services

Analysis Services

LinRegSlope

Calculates the linear regression of a set and returns the value of a in the regression line y = ax + b.

Syntax

LinRegSlope(«Set», «Numeric Expression»[, «Numeric Expression»])

Remarks

Linear regression that uses the least-squares method calculates the equation of the best-fit line for a series of points. Let the regression line be given by the following equation, where a is called the slope and b is called the intercept:

y = ax+b

This function evaluates «Set» against the first «Numeric Expression» to get the set of values for the y-axis. It then evaluates «Set» against the second «Numeric Expression», if present, to get the set of values for the x-axis. If the second «Numeric Expression» is not present, the function uses the members of «Set» as values for the x-axis.

The latter case is not often useful for standard dimensions (for example, SalesPerson). However, it is often used with the Time dimension.

After obtaining the set of points, LinRegSlope returns the slope of the regression line (a in the equation).

Note  Empty cells or cells containing text or logical values are ignored; however, cells with values of zero are included.

Example

The following example finds the trend in Sales for the sales of the last nine periods and returns the value for a in the formula y = ax + b:

LinRegSlope(LastPeriods(9), Sales) returns the value for a.