Least Squares Method (Linear Regression)

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The use of linear regression (least squares method) is the most accurate method in segregating total
costs into fixed and variable components.
The total fixed cost and variable cost per unit are determined mathematically through a series of
computations.

Like the other methods of cost segregation, the least squares method follows the same cost function:
y = a + bx
where:
y = total cost;
a = total fixed costs;
b = variable cost per level of activity;
x = level of activity
The Normal Equations in Differential Calculus
∑y = na + b∑x
∑xy = ∑xa + b∑x²
Note that through the process of elimination, these equations can be used to determine the values of a
and b. Nonetheless, formulas for total fixed costs (a) and variable cost per unit (b) can be derived from
the above equations.
Variable Cost per Unit (b)
Using the normal equations above, a formula for b can be derived. The variable cost per unit or slope is
computed using the following formula:
b= n∑xy – (∑x)(∑y)
n∑x² – (∑x)²
Total Fixed Costs (a)
Once b has been determined, the total fixed cost or a can be computed using the formula:
a = ȳ - bx̄
ȳ x̄
where: ∑y and ∑x
= =
n n
Or, it is the same as:
a = ∑y – b∑x
n
Example
The following data was gathered for five production runs of ABC Company. Determine the cost function
using the least squares method.
Batch Units (x) Total Cost (y)
1 680 $29,800
2 820 $34,000
3 570 $27,500
4 660 $29,000
5 750 $31,900
Solution:
Batch Units (x) Total Cost (y) xy x²
1 680 29,800 20,264,000 462,400
2 820 34,000 27,880,000 672,400
3 570 27,500 15,675,000 324,900
4 660 29,000 19,140,000 435,600
5 750 31,900 23,925,000 562,500
∑ 3,480 152,200 106,884,000 2,457,800
Substituting the computed values in the formula, we can compute for b.
b= n∑xy – (∑x)(∑y)
n∑x² – (∑x)²
b= (5)(106,884,000) – (3,480)(152,200)
(5)(2,457,800) – (3,480)²
b = 26.6741 ≈ $26.67 per unit
Total fixed cost (a) can then be computed by substituting the computed b.
a = ∑y – b∑x
n
a= 152,200 – (26.67)(3,480)
5
a = $11,877.68
The cost function for this particular set using the method of least squares is:
y = $11,887.68 + $26.67x.