# Linear-Regression Result Accuracy as a Function of Slope, Other Factors

Say I have the following functions

1. $f(x) = Asin(Bx)$
2. $g(x) = M_1x$
3. $h(x) = M_2x$; where $M_2 \approx 0$ and $M_1 > 1000 M_2$
4. $z(x) = C$
5. $e(x) = N(0,\sigma)$
6. $m_g(x) = f(x) + z(x) - g(x) + e(x)$
7. $m_h(x) = f(x) + z(x) - h(x) + e(x)$

where the range of $h(x)$ is approximately the same as $f(x)$ but both are much less than the range of $g(x)$ over the same x interval.

If I generate n samples of $m_g(x)$ and $m_h(x)$, using the same x locations and the same $e(x)$ values for each, and regress the data to get "best fit" slope values for $M_1$ and $M_2$, I noticed that the the result estimating $M_1$ is always SLIGHTLY more accurate (different at 4-5th decimal place). That is, regressing the much "steeper" $m_g(x)$ data points is more accurately estimating the true slope value ($M_1$ in this case) even when all other factors are kept the same.

Why is this?

As mentioned, it is a very, very small difference in accuracy between the two but $M_1$ always ends up more accurate (i.e. the error between the regressed slope and the simulated, "known" slope value is smaller).

I would like to know why, mathematically (that's why I'm here), this happens and how each function contributes (e.g. what would happen if $f(x)$ or $\sigma$ is scaled up? If $f(x)$ changes shape?).

I have a spreadsheet (LibreCalc) with my "simulated" data if anyone wants to see it.

Thanks in advance for the insights!

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I wonder if this would be better asked on Computational Science SE. –  asmeurer Dec 16 '12 at 6:37
Note that when you just write out the name of a function like $\sin$, it gets interpreted as a juxtaposition of variable names and formatted accordingly (e.g. italicized). To get the proper formatting, you can use the predefined commands like \sin. If you need a name for which there isn't a predefined command, you can use \operatorname{name}. –  joriki Dec 16 '12 at 7:56