Question

Which table shows negative correlation?

A 2-column table with 5 rows. The first column is labeled x with entries 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. The second column is labeled y with entries 19, 12, 10, 17, 18.

A 2-column table with 5 rows. The first column is labeled x with entries 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. The second column is labeled y with entries 25, 23, 15, 17, 12.

A 2-column table with 5 rows. The first column is labeled x with entries 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. The second column is labeled y with entries 28, 20, 24, 22, 23.

Answer 1

Tables 2 and 3 show negative correlation.

Quick check (using x mean = 3):
- Table 1 Σ(x-3)(y-ȳ) = +3 → slight positive correlation.
- Table 2 Σ(x-3)(y-ȳ) = −32 → strong negative correlation.
- Table 3 Σ(x-3)(y-ȳ) = −8 → moderate negative correlation.

So table 2 is clearly negative (and table 3 is mildly negative).