General Mathematics · bivariate data · manipulative

Interpolation vs extrapolation

The line is only interpolating while your x sits inside the data. Drag past the last point — that is extrapolation.

data data x-range ŷ = a + bx

Drag the marker (or use the slider) · teal inside the data · contrast colour past the last point

Query x

5.00

Working

The algebra of the line does not know the data hull — interpolation is using it where we have evidence; extrapolation assumes the pattern keeps going.