A scatterplot shows the number of cups of coffee sold versus temperature.

Question

The horizontal axis shows temperature, in degrees Fahrenheit, ranging from 0 to 70 in increments of 5, with an initial jump from 0 to 25. The vertical axis shows number of cups of coffee sold, ranging from 0 to 60 in increments of 10. A kink is shown on the horizontal axis close to origin. A tightly packed cluster of data plots is plotted between 30 to 37 on the horizontal axis and 42 to 48 on the vertical axis. A loosely packed cluster of data plots is plotted between 40 to 51 on the horizontal axis 30 and 38 on the vertical axis and. A dot is plotted at 62 on the horizontal axis and 5 on the vertical axis.
Numbers of Cups of Coffee Sold Versus Temperature

Interpret the scatterplot by describing any outliers and patterns of clustering.

(4 points)

Answer 1

Upon analyzing the scatterplot, several observations of outliers and clustering patterns can be made:

1. Outlier: There is a notable outlier at the point where the horizontal axis shows a temperature of 62°F and the vertical axis indicates that only 5 cups of coffee were sold. This point stands out because it significantly deviates from the trend shown by the rest of the data—where higher temperatures typically correspond to a higher number of coffee sales. This suggests that, contrary to expectations, fewer cups were sold at a relatively warmer temperature.

2. Clusters of Data Points:

   • Tightly Packed Cluster: There is a dense cluster of data points between temperatures of 30°F and 37°F, with coffee sales ranging from approximately 42 to 48 cups. This indicates a strong correlation in this temperature range, where more coffee is sold as temperatures rise slightly, likely reflecting a preference for hot beverages in cooler weather.
   • Loosely Packed Cluster: Another cluster of points is observed at temperatures from 40°F to 51°F, with corresponding coffee sales between 30 and 38 cups. Compared to the first cluster, this one is less densely packed, indicating a weaker correlation; as temperatures rise further into this range, the increase in coffee sales is not as pronounced.

3. General Trend: Overall, the scatterplot suggests a trend where colder temperatures tend to correlate with higher coffee sales. As temperatures rise, the number of cups sold generally starts to decrease, with some variability observed in the mid-range temperatures (40°F to 51°F).

In summary, the scatterplot displays a strong clustering of coffee sales in cooler temperatures and a notable outlier at a higher temperature, suggesting that coffee sales decrease as temperatures rise, but the relationship may vary in transitional temperature ranges.