Question

Look at the scatter plot below.

A scatter plot is shown with 34 data points showing a strong negative relationship. The x-values of the data points extend from 0 to 10, and the y-values of the data points extend from 7 to 0.

Which of these shows the line of best fit for the data on the scatter plot?

A.
A downward sloping line is drawn from 8 on the y-axis to 8 on the x-axis on the scatter plot. The number of data points above the line and the number below the line are about equal.

B.
A horizontal line is drawn from 3 on the y-axis and parallel to x-axis on the scatter plot. The number of data points above the line is more than the number of points below the line.

C.
A downward sloping line is drawn on the scatter plot. Most of the data points are below the line.

D.
A downward sloping line is drawn on the scatter plot. The number of data points above the line and the number below the line are about equal.

Answer 1

D

The line of best fit should slope downward (negative relationship) and have about as many points above it as below it (minimizing residuals), which option D describes.