If the coefficient has a nonzero value, then it is helpful in predicting the value of the response variable. If it is not helpful in predicting the value of the response variable and can be eliminated from the regression equation. To test the claim that use the test statistic Critical values or P-values can be found using the t distribution with degrees of freedom, where k is the number of predictor (x) variables and n is the number of observations in the sample. The standard error is often provided by software. For example, the Minitab display in Example 1 shows that (found in the column with the heading of SE Coeff and the row corresponding to the first predictor variable of the height of the mother). Use the sample data in Table 10-6 and the Minitab display in Example 1 to test the claim that Also test the claim that What do the results imply about the regression equation?

Table 10-6 Heights (in inches) of Mothers, Fathers, and their Daughters Height Height of of Mother Father 63 67 64 60 65 67 59 60 58 72 63 67 62 69 63 64 63 64 60 65 64 65 67 72 72 72 67 71 66 75 69 70 69 62 66 76 69 68 66 68 Height of Daughter 58.6 64.7 65.3 61.0 65.4 67.4 60.9 63.1 60.0 71.1 62.2 67.2 63.4 68.4 62.2 64.7 59.6 61.0 64.0 65.4