Multiple Choice Question

Terrence created a scatter plot to represent the total number of goals scored by each player on his soccer team in a season and the number of hours the player spent at soccer practice.

The scatter plot has 10 data points. The x-values of the data points extend from 10 to 90, and the y-values of the data points extend from 0 to 35.

Which graph shows the line of best fit for the data in Terrence's scatter plot?
A.
The scatter plot has 10 data points. The x-values of the data points extend from 10 to 90, and the y-values of the data points extend from 0 to 35. A line is line passing through the points (26, 30) and (45, 22).

B.
The scatter plot has 10 data points. The x-values of the data points extend from 10 to 90, and the y-values of the data points extend from 0 to 35. A line is line passing through the points (10, 0), (59, 26) and (70, 32).

C.
The scatter plot has 10 data points. The x-values of the data points extend from 10 to 90, and the y-values of the data points extend from 0 to 35. A line is line passing through the points (55, 26) and (59, 26).

D.
The scatter plot has 10 data points. The x-values of the data points extend from 10 to 90, and the y-values of the data points extend from 0 to 35. A line is line passing through the points (25, 16) and (55, 26).

1 answer

To determine which graph shows the line of best fit for the scatter plot based on the given problem, we need to find the option that represents a trend in the data points, ideally showing a positive correlation.

Evaluating the Options:

  • Option A: The line passes through points (26, 30) and (45, 22). This line has a negative slope because as the x-value increases (from 26 to 45), the y-value decreases (from 30 to 22). This does not indicate a positive trend, so it is unlikely to be the line of best fit.

  • Option B: The line passes through points (10, 0), (59, 26), and (70, 32). This line has a positive slope because as the x-values increase, the y-values also increase. This indicates a positive correlation, which is likely to be a good candidate for the line of best fit.

  • Option C: The line is horizontal, passing through points (55, 26) and (59, 26). This indicates no relationship between hours of practice and goals scored but does not show any upward or downward trend, so it is not a suitable line of best fit.

  • Option D: The line passes through points (25, 16) and (55, 26). This line has a positive slope, suggesting a positive relationship between the x-values and y-values as the x-values increase from 25 to 55, the y-values also increase. This indicates a positive trend, making it a potential fit.

Conclusion: Based on the evaluation of the options, Option B appears to be the best choice as it shows a clear positive correlation reflecting a line of best fit for Terrence's scatter plot data.