Line of Best Fit for 3D scatter plot?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on adding a line of best fit to a 3D scatter plot, specifically for users with limited mathematical background, such as a chemistry PhD student. The recommended tools for this task are GUNplot and MATLAB, with a particular emphasis on using the "LinEst" function in Excel for ease of use. The LinEst function allows users to calculate the gradient and y-intercept by selecting two adjacent cells and holding both "ctrl" and "shift" while confirming the function. This method is highlighted as the most accessible for users unfamiliar with advanced plotting techniques.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of 3D scatter plots
  • Familiarity with Excel functions, specifically "LinEst"
  • Access to GUNplot or MATLAB for advanced plotting
  • Basic statistical concepts related to regression analysis
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to use the "LinEst" function in Excel for regression analysis
  • Explore GUNplot documentation for 3D plotting capabilities
  • Investigate MATLAB's built-in functions for fitting lines to 3D data
  • Study regression analysis techniques to enhance understanding of line fitting
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for chemistry PhD students, researchers in scientific fields requiring data visualization, and anyone seeking to add lines of best fit to 3D scatter plots using accessible tools like Excel, GUNplot, or MATLAB.

Crabman
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Hi all,

I'm having problems with something I'd like to do.

Basically I have a 3D scatter plot and would like to add a line of best fit to it, I've googled this but most of the answers I get are incomprehensible to me (I'm a chemistry PhD student and my maths isn't amazing).

Does anyone know a program or a method for doing this? The easier the better! (I have access to GUNplot and MATLAB if that helps but am not that familiar with either)

Many thanks in advance.
 
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You'd probably find something like excel spreadsheet the most accessible.

Use the "LinEst" function (should be listed under "statistical functions").

Hint. Highlight two cells in adjacent columns before selecting "LinEst" and also hold both "ctrl" and "shift" when you click the final ok (needed to make a function return two values, gradient and y-intercept in this case).
 
Crabman said:
Hi all,

I'm having problems with something I'd like to do.

Basically I have a 3D scatter plot and would like to add a line of best fit to it, I've googled this but most of the answers I get are incomprehensible to me (I'm a chemistry PhD student and my maths isn't amazing).

Does anyone know a program or a method for doing this? The easier the better! (I have access to GUNplot and MATLAB if that helps but am not that familiar with either)

Many thanks in advance.

Maybe you have already found this:

http://mathforum.org/library/drmath/view/69103.html

Or maybe not. :smile:
 

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