Are All Regressions Linear?

In statistics, a regression equation (or function) is linear when it is linear in the parameters. While the equation must be linear in the parameters, you can transform the predictor variables in ways that produce curvature. For instance, you can include a squared variable to produce a U-shaped curve.

How do you know if a regression line is linear?

Are all regressions linear How can you tell if a regression isn't linear?

A linear regression equation simply sums the terms. While the model must be linear in the parameters, you can raise an independent variable by an exponent to fit a curve. For instance, you can include a squared or cubed term. Nonlinear regression models are anything that doesn't follow this one form.