Scatter Plots and Lines of Best Fit

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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 grid.

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What does a line of best fit represent in a scatter plot?

Back

A line of best fit is a straight line that best represents the data on a scatter plot, indicating the trend of the data points.

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How can you determine the correlation from a scatter plot?

Back

You can determine correlation by observing the direction and pattern of the data points: positive correlation (upward trend), negative correlation (downward trend), or no correlation (no discernible pattern).

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What is positive correlation?

Back

Positive correlation occurs when an increase in one variable leads to an increase in another variable.

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What is negative correlation?

Back

Negative correlation occurs when an increase in one variable leads to a decrease in another variable.

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What does 'no correlation' mean?

Back

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

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How do you estimate values using a line of best fit?

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To estimate values, draw a vertical line from the x-value to the line of best fit, then horizontally to the y-axis to find the corresponding y-value.

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What is the purpose of making predictions using scatter plots?

Back

The purpose is to use existing data to forecast future outcomes or trends based on observed relationships.

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What is an example of a variable that might have no correlation with weight?

Back

The number of siblings a person has is an example of a variable that might have no correlation with their weight.

Front

How can you use a scatter plot to analyze trends over time?

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By plotting data points over time, you can visually assess how one variable changes in relation to another, identifying trends.