Question the-st

3.4 Two-Variable Data & Models - Line of best fit
0:00

The sterplot shows the relationship between two variables, x and y .

  • The sterplot has 5 data points.
  • The data points are in a linear pattern trending up from left to right.
  • The data points have the following coordinates:
    • (1 comma 3.0)
    • (3 comma 5.0)
    • (5 comma 6.0)
    • (7 comma 8.0)
    • (9 comma 10.0)

Which equation is the most appropriate linear model for this relationship?

A.

y = - 0.9 x - 2.2

B.

y = - 0.9 x + 2.2

C.

y = - 0.9 x

D.

y = 0.9 x + 2.2

The sterplot shows the relationship between two variables, x and y . The sterplot has 5

Medium-difficulty · SAT Math · Two-Variable Data & Models — Line of best fit. Read the question above, select your answer, and check the full explanation below to understand exactly why the correct choice works.

Answer explanation

Choice D is correct. A linear model can be written in the form y = m x + b , where m is the slope of the graph of the model in the xy-plane and (0,b) is the y-intercept. The graph of an appropriate linear model for this relationship passes near the points (1,3) and (9,10) in the xy-plane. Two points on a line, x1,y1 and x2,y2, can be used to find the slope of the line using the slope formula, m=y2-y1x2-x1. Substituting the points (1,3) and (9,10) for x1,y1 and x2,y2, respectively, in the slope formula yields m=10-39-1, or m=0.875. Therefore, the value of m for an appropriate linear model is approximately 0.875. Substituting 0.875 for m in y = m x + b yields y=0.875x+b. Since an appropriate linear model passes near the point (1,3), the approximate value of b can be found by substituting 1 for x and 3 for y in the equation y=0.875x+b, which yields 3=(0.875)(1)+b, or 3=0.875+b. Subtracting 0.875 from both sides of this equation yields 2.125=b. Therefore, the value of b for an appropriate linear model is approximately 2.125. Thus, of the given choices, y=0.9x+2.2 is the most appropriate linear model for this relationship.

Alternate approach: A linear model can be written in the form y = m x + b , where m is the slope of the graph of the model in the xy-plane and (0,b) is the y-intercept. The sterplot shows that as the x-values of the data points increase, the y-values of the data points increase, which means the graph of an appropriate linear model has a positive slope. Of the given choices, y=0.9x+2.2 is the only linear model whose graph has a positive slope.

Choice A is incorrect. The graph of this model has a negative slope, not a positive slope. 

Choice B is incorrect. The graph of this model has a negative slope, not a positive slope.

Choice C is incorrect. The graph of this model has a negative slope, not a positive slope.