For a line of best fit in a scatter plot, the following statements are typically true:
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The line must represent the general relationship between the two variables.
- True. The primary purpose of the line of best fit is to illustrate the overall trend or relationship between the two variables in the scatter plot.
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The line of best fit must have an equal number of points above and below the line.
- False. While ideally, a good line of best fit will minimize the distances from the points to the line, it does not need to have an equal number of points above and below the line.
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The line of best fit should be an exact representation of the data points.
- False. The line of best fit is not intended to perfectly pass through all points; rather, it aims to capture the trend in the data.
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The line of best fit can, sometimes, be used as a prediction tool; showing a trend in the data.
- True. The line of best fit can be used to make predictions about the dependent variable based on the independent variable, as it summarizes the trend in the data.
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The line of best fit MUST cross through at least 2 points in the scatter plot.
- False. While in some cases it might pass through exactly two points, it is not a requirement; the line of best fit can be determined mathematically (e.g., using least squares regression) and often does not intersect any points in a scatter plot.
In summary, the correct true statements would be:
- The line must represent the general relationship between the two variables.
- The line of best fit can, sometimes, be used as a prediction tool; showing a trend in the data.
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