What should be true about the line of best fit for any scatter plot? Check all that apply.

Question

(2 points)
Responses

The line must represent the general relationship between the two variables.
The line must represent the general relationship between the two variables.

The line of best fit must have an equal number of points above and below the line.
The line of best fit must have an equal number of points above and below the line.

The line of best fit can, some times, be used as a prediction tool; showing a trend in the data.
The line of best fit can, some times, be used as a prediction tool; showing a trend in the data.

The line of best fit MUST cross through at least 2 points in the scatter plot.
The line of best fit MUST cross through at least 2 points in the scatter plot.

The line of best fit should be an exact representation of the data points.
The line of best fit should be an exact representation of the data points.
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Answer 1

For a line of best fit in a scatter plot, the following statements are true:

1. The line must represent the general relationship between the two variables.

   • This is correct, as the purpose of the line of best fit is to show the trend or direction of the relationship between the two variables.

2. The line of best fit can, sometimes, be used as a prediction tool; showing a trend in the data.

   • This is also correct. Once the line of best fit is established, it can be used to make predictions about one variable based on the value of the other.

The other statements are not necessarily true:

• The line of best fit must have an equal number of points above and below the line.

  • This is not true. The line of best fit does not have to pass through an equal number of points above and below it; its goal is to minimize the overall distance from the data points.

• The line of best fit MUST cross through at least 2 points in the scatter plot.

  • This is not true. The line of best fit does not have to intersect any data points; it is generally a best approximation based on the overall trend.

• The line of best fit should be an exact representation of the data points.

  • This is also not true. The line of best fit is not meant to exactly represent every data point but rather to capture the general trend or relationship.

So the correct responses to check are:

• 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.