Understanding Scatter Plots and Lines: Distinguishing Exact and Inexact Relationships

This lesson teaches how to differentiate between scatter plots and lines by examining exact and inexact relationships. Independent variables, like time, are not influenced by other factors, while dependent variables change based on the independent variable. Exact relationships, such as Celsius to Fahrenheit, are deterministic and represented by lines. Inexact relationships, like height and wingspan, are represented by scatter plots, where a line of best fit can help make predictions. The lesson concludes by reinforcing the ability to distinguish between these types of relationships.

What is the difference between independent and dependent variables?

Explain the relationship between Celsius and Fahrenheit.

Describe an example of an exact relationship and an inexact relationship.

How can a line of best fit be used in a scatterplot?

What does it mean when we say that two variables are related exactly?