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example of a line of best fit

What should be true about the line of best fit for any scatter plot? Check all that apply.

(2 points)
Responses

The line of best fit can, some times, be used as a prediction tool; showing a trend in the data.
The line of best fit can, some times, be used as a prediction tool; showing a trend in the data.

The line of best fit MUST cross through at least 2 points in the scatter plot.
The line of best fit MUST cross through at least 2 points in the scatter plot.

The line must represent the general relationship between the two variables.
The line must represent the general relationship between the two variables.

The line of best fit must have an equal number of points above and below the line.
The line of best fit must have an equal number of points above and below the line.

The line of best fit should be an exact representation of the data points.
The line of best fit should be an exact representation of the data points.
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1 answer

Here are the truths regarding the line of best fit for any scatter plot:

  1. The line of best fit can, some times, be used as a prediction tool; showing a trend in the data. - True. The line of best fit summarizes the trends in the data and can be used for predictions.

  2. The line of best fit MUST cross through at least 2 points in the scatter plot. - False. While the line may intersect at two points, it is not a requirement. The line is generally an average of the trends and may not necessarily pass through any points.

  3. The line must represent the general relationship between the two variables. - True. The purpose of the line of best fit is to reflect the overall trend between the variables.

  4. The line of best fit must have an equal number of points above and below the line. - False. This is not a requirement. The line of best fit attempts to minimize the distance between itself and all points, but it does not need to have equal numbers above and below.

  5. The line of best fit should be an exact representation of the data points. - False. The line of best fit is a summary of the trend in the data and does not need to align with each individual data point.

Summary of True Statements:

  • The line of best fit can sometimes be used as a prediction tool; showing a trend in the data.
  • The line must represent the general relationship between the two variables.