Which two quantitative variables would show that a straight line will be produced on a scatterplot? A. Time spent playing video games and adult show size b. Time it takes to get to grocery store and the number of grocery items purchased c. Time spent studying for an exam and the grade on the exam d. Time spent mowing the lawn and the number of snakes in the yard

1 answer

To identify which pair of quantitative variables would likely result in a straight line on a scatterplot, we need to consider whether there is a linear relationship between the two variables. Here's a brief analysis of each option:

a. Time spent playing video games and adult shoe size:
- These two variables are likely to have no correlation. Therefore, they would not produce a straight line on a scatterplot.

b. Time it takes to get to the grocery store and the number of grocery items purchased:
- These two variables are unlikely to have a direct linear relationship. Travel time to the grocery store doesn't necessarily impact the number of items purchased.

c. Time spent studying for an exam and the grade on the exam:
- These two variables are likely to have a positive linear relationship. As the time spent studying increases, the grade on the exam usually improves (to a certain extent), suggesting that a straight line (though it can plateau) could be seen on the scatterplot.

d. Time spent mowing the lawn and the number of snakes in the yard:
- These two variables are also unlikely to have a direct linear relationship. The amount of time mowing may not correlate with the number of snakes.

Considering the relationships, the most likely pair of variables to exhibit a straight-line relationship (linear correlation) on a scatterplot is:

c. Time spent studying for an exam and the grade on the exam.