To determine which graph shows the line of best fit for the data in Terrence's scatter plot, we need to evaluate the provided options based on how well each line represents the overall trend in a scatter plot characterized by:
- X-values extending from 10 to 90 (practice hours).
- Y-values extending from 0 to 35 (goals scored).
A line of best fit should ideally balance the data points and reflect the general trend without being overly influenced by outliers.
Let's analyze each option:
A: The line passes through (26, 30) and (45, 22). This means that as practice hours increase from 26 to 45, the goals scored appear to decrease, which is counterintuitive. This does not represent a typical trend for practice hours and goals, making it unlikely to be a line of best fit.
B: The line passes through (10, 0), (59, 26), and (70, 32). This shows an increasing trend, as goals scored increase with hours of practice. The inclusion of the point (10, 0) suggests that at minimal practice, no goals are scored, aligning with a reasonable expectation. This looks like a strong candidate for a line of best fit.
C: The line passes through (55, 26) and (59, 26), indicating no change in goals scored (y-value) while the x-value changes. This horizontal line does not reflect an upward or downward trend in practice leading to results, thus it does not serve as a line of best fit.
D: The line passes through (25, 16) and (55, 26). This indicates an increase in goals scored as practice hours increase, similar to option B. However, it does not start from lower values or include a broader spread of data points compared to B, which might make it less representative of the entire dataset.
Based on this analysis, Option B is the most suitable line of best fit because it reflects a consistent increasing trend in the scatter plot, starting from a point that indicates no goals scored with minimal practice and showing growth as more hours are put into practice.