What is Multiple Linear Regression?

Multiple linear regression is an extension of the methodology of simple linear regression. Likewise, Simple Linear Regression is to study the two variables in which one variable is the independent variable (X) and the other one is the dependent variable (Y). In other words, predict the change in the dependent variable according to the change in the independent variable

When to Use Multiple Linear Regression

Multiple linear regression is to study more than two variables. In fact, the basic difference between simple and multiple regression is in terms of explanatory variables. In multiple regression unlike simple linear regression, there is more than one independent variable (X), and these independent variables are used to predict a single dependent variable (Y). Another key point is that they predict the change in the dependent variable (Y) according to the change in independent variables.

Example: The house price (Dependent variable Y) depends on the various Independent variables (X) like locality, number of bedrooms, number of bathrooms, age of the house, and also the square foot of the house.

Notes about Multiple Linear Regression

Y is the linear transformation of the X variables and is subject to the condition that the sum of squared deviations of the observed and predicted Y is minimized, in other words, the sum of squared errors is minimized

Residual also called error is the difference between the actual observed values of dependent variable Y and the predicted values that we get as a linear transformation of the X variables.

The coefficient of determination is R². In summary, it is the proportion of the explained variation divided by the total variation. When the number of predictors is added to the model then R2 will also increase, despite the fact that predictors have no relation with the output variable.

Likewise, r² (the linear coefficient of determination) and R² (the multiple coefficient of determination) take values in the interval:

0≤ R² ≤1

If the value of R² is 0 then the outcome cannot be predicted, whereas if R2 is 1 outcome can be predicated and it is error-free from the independent variables (X), but same it does not mean a great model

The computation in the case of multiple regression is complex due to the number of explanatory variables in the model. However, because of the interrelationship among the variables the interpretation also changes accordingly

Assumptions of Multiple Linear Regression

• Firstly, we assume Independent Residuals
• Secondly, no Multicollinearity – Not too high correlation between the independent variables
• Thirdly, residuals must be normally distributed
• Furthermore, the relationship between each predictor variable and the outcome variable is linear

Formula to calculate Multiple Linear Regression

A first-order linear model

The formula for two independent variables the prediction of Y is

Y= β₀+β₁X₁+β₂X₂ +…….. β_kX_k + ε

Where

• Firstly, Y is the dependent variable
• Secondly, X is the independent variable
• Thirdly, β₀ is Y-intercept
• ε is residual also called error
• Finally, the β_k slope coefficient for each independent variable

β can also be computed in such a way that minimizes the sum of squared errors

Where k is the number of predictor variables

And, similarly, the estimated regression line shall be y = b̂₀+b̂₁X₁+b̂₂X₂

In addition, the formulas to calculate estimates of parameters betas’

b̂₀ = Y̅-b̂₁X̅₁– b̂₂X̅₂

A Second –Order Linear Model (Two Predictor Variables)

Y= β₀+β₁X₁+β₂X₂+ β₃ X₁X₂+ β₄ X₁²++ β₅ X₂²+ε

Example of Multiple Linear Regression in DMAIC

Multiple Linear Regression will be used in Analyze phase of DMAIC to study more than two variables. In a laboratory, a chemist recorded the yield of the process that is impacted by the two factors. The chemist wants to consequently model the first-order regression.

• Y̅ =354/8=44.25
• p̅=61/8=7.625
• q̅=38/8=4.75

b̂₀ = Y̅-b̂₁p̅- b̂₂q̅ =31.37

Afterward, the estimated regression line would be

y = 31.37+0.75p+1.5q

Multiple Linear Regression Videos

Additional Resources

Multiple Regression Presentation

Six Sigma Green Belt Multiple Linear Regression Questions

Question: A ____________________ is used to create a model of the effect on output by the variation in two or more of the inputs.

(A) Correlation Coefficient
(B) ANOVA
(C) Multiple Regression
(D) X-Y Diagram

Answer: