To determine a realistic value for the correlation coefficient between the sizes of the homes and their sale prices, we can analyze the relationship using the given data. The correlation coefficient, denoted as \( r \), can range from -1 to +1.
- Positive Correlation: If larger homes tend to sell for higher prices, we expect a positive \( r \) close to +1.
- No Correlation: If there is no apparent relationship, \( r \) would be around 0.
- Negative Correlation: If larger homes tended to sell for lower prices, \( r \) would be a negative value close to -1.
Given the sizes and sale prices of the homes in the data:
- Sizes (X): 1200, 1350, 1720, 1510, 1440, 1675
- Prices (Y in thousands): 223, 298, 427, 375, 310, 402
By observing the trend, larger homes generally have higher selling prices.
Now, to calculate the correlation coefficient \( r \):
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Calculate the means of X and Y:
- Mean of sizes: \( \bar{X} = \frac{1200 + 1350 + 1720 + 1510 + 1440 + 1675}{6} \)
- Mean of prices: \( \bar{Y} = \frac{223 + 298 + 427 + 375 + 310 + 402}{6} \)
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Calculate the covariance and the standard deviations of X and Y.
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Compute the correlation coefficient using the formula: \[ r = \frac{\text{Cov}(X, Y)}{SD(X) \times SD(Y)} \]
To simplify our answer based on the data provided, you could also use a calculator or statistical software to quickly find \( r \).
Assuming that calculations yield \( r \approx 0.9 \), for instance, it would indicate a strong positive correlation.
In conclusion, considering the data and the positive trend observed, a realistic value for the correlation would be close to +1, indicating a strong positive correlation between home size and selling price. Hence, values like \( r = 0.8, 0.9 \) or similar are realistic, while values like negative \( r \) or those closer to zero would not represent the trend accurately.