The data given in the table are fitted to the equation \(y = mx\) using the method of least squares. The value of \(m\) is ______ (rounded off to one decimal place).
x
1
2
3
4
y
2
6
7
10
Show Hint
For a line forced through the origin, the least-squares slope is \(m=\sum xy/\sum x^2\).
$m$ is the weighted average of point-wise ratios $y_i/x_i$ weighted by $x_i^2$: ratios are 2, 3, 2.333, 2.5 with weights 1,4,9,16 (sum 30). Weighted sum = 2+12+21+40=75. $m=75/30=2.5$, matching the calculus-based derivation.