# About model residuals

For linear models, a residual value is the actual value of a variable minus the value predicted by the model. For non-linear models, the definition is somewhat more complex, but smaller residuals correspond to a better model fit. Analyzing a model’s residuals can provide clues as to whether a particular model is appropriate, and whether certain variables have been left out of a model.

See also:

- About receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves
- About models

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