Question

The scatter plot shows data collected in a study investigating the health benefits of meditation. The line of best fit is drawn on the scatter plot.

The graph titled Effect of Meditation on Blood pressure shows 25 data points and the line of best fit starts from (0, 146) and ends at (50, 140).

Which statement best interprets the slope of the line of best fit?

A.
Daily meditation time tends to decrease by approximately 0.12 minute for each increase of 1 mmHg in systolic blood pressure.

B.
Daily meditation time tends to decrease by approximately 0.6 minute for each increase of 1 mmHg in systolic blood pressure.

C.
Systolic blood pressure tends to decrease by approximately 0.6 mmHg for each additional minute of daily meditation.

D.
Systolic blood pressure tends to decrease by approximately 0.12 mmHg for each additional minute of daily meditation.

Answer 1

Slope = (140 − 146) / (50 − 0) = −6/50 = −0.12.

So systolic blood pressure tends to decrease by about 0.12 mmHg for each additional minute of daily meditation. (Answer: D)