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3.4 Two-Variable Data & Models - Line of best fit
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The figure presents a sterplot in the x y plane. The numbers 0 through 5, in increments of 1, are indied along the x-axis. The numbers 0 through 6, in increments of 1, are indied along the y-axis. There are 11 data points in the sterplot. The data points begin on the y-axis at 6, and trend almost linearly downward and to the right. The data points end at the point with coordinates 5 comma 1.

Which of the following could be an equation for a line of best fit for the data in the sterplot?

A.

y equals, negative x, plus 6

B.

y equals, negative x, minus 6

C.

y equals, 6 x, plus 1

D.

y equals, 6 x, minus 1

Which of the following could be an equation for a line of best fit for the

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 A is correct. A line of best fit for the data in a sterplot is a line that follows the trend of the data with approximately half the data points above and half the data points below the line. Based on the given data, a line of best fit will have a positive y-intercept on or near the point with coordinates 0 comma 6 and a negative slope. All of the choices are in slope-intercept form y equals, m x plus b, where m is the slope and b is the y-coordinate of the y-intercept. Only choice A is an equation of a line with a positive y-intercept at the point with coordinates 0 comma 6 and a negative slope, negative 1.

Choice B is incorrect. This equation is for a line that has a negative y-intercept, not a positive y-intercept. Choices C and D are incorrect and may result from one or more sign errors and from switching the values of the y-intercept and the slope in the equation.

 

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