Scatterplots: Correlation and Line of Best Fit (Abridged)

Front

What is a scatterplot?

Back

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

Front

What does correlation mean in the context of scatterplots?

Back

Correlation refers to the relationship between two variables in a scatterplot, indicating how one variable may change in relation to another.

Front

What is a positive correlation?

Back

A positive correlation occurs when an increase in one variable leads to an increase in another variable, represented by an upward trend in a scatterplot.

Front

What is a negative correlation?

Back

A negative correlation occurs when an increase in one variable leads to a decrease in another variable, represented by a downward trend in a scatterplot.

Front

What does 'no correlation' mean?

Back

No correlation means there is no discernible relationship between the two variables in a scatterplot; the points do not show any trend.

Front

What is a line of best fit?

Back

A line of best fit is a straight line that best represents the data on a scatterplot, showing the general direction of the data points.

Front

How do you determine the line of best fit?

Back

The line of best fit is determined by minimizing the distance between the line and all the data points, often using the least squares method.

Front

What is the purpose of using a line of best fit?

Back

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

Front

How can you use a scatterplot to make predictions?

Back

You can use a scatterplot to make predictions by extending the line of best fit to estimate the value of one variable based on the value of another.

Front

What does it mean if the line of best fit has a steep slope?

Back

A steep slope indicates a strong relationship between the two variables, meaning that a small change in one variable results in a large change in the other.