Scatter Plots and Trend Lines

Front

What is a scatter plot?

Back

A scatter plot is a graph that shows the relationship between two quantitative variables by displaying data points on a two-dimensional axis.

Tags

CCSS.8.SP.A.1

Front

What does a positive correlation indicate in a scatter plot?

Back

A positive correlation indicates that as one variable increases, the other variable also tends to increase.

Tags

CCSS.HSS.ID.B.5

Front

What does a negative correlation indicate in a scatter plot?

Back

A negative correlation indicates that as one variable increases, the other variable tends to decrease.

Tags

CCSS.HSS.ID.B.5

Front

What does no correlation mean in a scatter plot?

Back

No correlation means there is no apparent relationship between the two variables; changes in one variable do not predict changes in the other.

Tags

CCSS.HSS.ID.B.5

Front

What is a trend line?

Back

A trend line is a straight line that best represents the data on a scatter plot, showing the general direction of the data points.

Tags

CCSS.HSF-LE.A.1B

Front

How do you determine the equation of a line of best fit?

Back

The equation of a line of best fit can be determined using statistical methods such as linear regression, which calculates the slope and y-intercept.

Tags

CCSS.8.EE.B.5

Front

What is the purpose of using a line of best fit in a scatter plot?

Back

The purpose of using a line of best fit is to make predictions about one variable based on the value of another variable.

Tags

CCSS.8.EE.B.5

Front

If a scatter plot shows a strong positive correlation, what can you predict about the relationship between the two variables?

Back

You can predict that as one variable increases, the other variable will likely also increase.

Tags

CCSS.HSS.ID.B.5

Front

What is the significance of the slope in the equation of a line of best fit?

Back

The slope indicates the rate of change between the two variables; a steeper slope means a stronger relationship.

Tags

CCSS.8.EE.B.5

Front

How can you use a scatter plot to make predictions?

Back

You can use a scatter plot to make predictions by locating a value on the x-axis and using the trend line to find the corresponding value on the y-axis.