The following model was fitted to a sample of 25 students using data obtained at the end of their freshman year in college. The aim was to explain students’ weight gains:
yi = β0 + β1x1i + β2x2i + β3x3iεi
where
yi = weight gained, in pounds, during freshman year
x1i = average number of meals eaten per week
x2i = average number of hours of exercise per week
x3i = average number of beers consumed per week
The least squares estimates of the regression parameters were as follows:
b0 = 7.35 b1 = 0.653 b2 = -1.345 b3 = 0.613
a. Interpret the estimates b1, b2, and b3.
b. Is it possible to provide a meaningful interpretation of the estimate b0?