Building a Machine Learning Model in Excel
Instruction: Discuss how Excel can be used as a tool for developing and testing basic machine learning models.
Context: This question tests the candidate's innovative use of Excel in the field of machine learning, demonstrating understanding of both Excel and ML fundamentals.
Updated
Official answer available
Read the opening below, then unlock the full answer and practical guidance.
Use Excel for a small, inspectable model with a clear prediction target and validation design. Separate training data from an untouched test set before fitting preprocessing or choosing features. For time-dependent data, preserve chronology; for repeated people/entities, avoid placing the same entity in both sets when that would leak information.
A basic linear regression can use LINEST...