Scatterplots & Trend Lines

Front

What is a scatterplot?

Back

A scatterplot is a type of graph that displays values for typically two variables for a set of data. Each point on the graph represents an observation.

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What does a trend line represent in a scatterplot?

Back

A trend line is a straight line that best represents the data on a scatterplot. It shows the general direction (trend) of the data points.

Front

How do you determine the slope of a trend line?

Back

The slope of a trend line is calculated by taking the change in the y-values divided by the change in the x-values (rise over run).

Front

What does a positive slope indicate in a trend line?

Back

A positive slope indicates that as the x-values increase, the y-values also increase, showing a direct relationship between the two variables.

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What does a negative slope indicate in a trend line?

Back

A negative slope indicates that as the x-values increase, the y-values decrease, showing an inverse relationship between the two variables.

Front

What is the line of best fit?

Back

The line of best fit is a straight line that best represents the data points on a scatterplot, minimizing the distance between the line and all the points.

Front

How can you estimate values using a trend line?

Back

You can estimate values by locating the x-value on the trend line and reading the corresponding y-value.

Front

What is the purpose of using scatterplots in data analysis?

Back

Scatterplots are used to visually assess the relationship between two quantitative variables and to identify trends, patterns, or correlations.

Front

What does it mean if a scatterplot shows no correlation?

Back

No correlation means that there is no apparent relationship between the two variables; the data points do not follow any discernible pattern.

Front

What is a positive correlation?

Back

A positive correlation occurs when two variables move in the same direction; as one variable increases, the other also increases.