Back to Fit a linear function to a scatter plot — Problem 2 · Task Set 8

Exercises: Fitting a Linear Function to a Scatter Plot

Work through each section in order. When a scatter plot is shown, first decide whether it suggests a LINEAR association before fitting a line. To find a line's equation, read two convenient points ON the line (not necessarily data points), compute slope as rise over run, and find the y-intercept. Remember: a line of fit balances points above and below and need not pass through any data point.

Grade 9·22 problems·~35 min·Common Core Math - HS Statistics and Probability·standard·hss-id-b-6c

Work through problems with immediate feedback

Fluency Practice

Read scatter plots, judge form, and find or use line equations.

$A scatter plot of study hours versus test score with a rising straight line drawn through the middle of the point cloud. The line touches no data point; some points lie above it and some below.$

A scatter plot of study hours $x$ versus test score $y$ is shown with a line drawn through the cloud. The line passes through none of the plotted data points, yet roughly as many points sit above it as below. Is this a reasonable line of fit?

Yes. A good line of fit balances points above and below and need not touch any data point.

No. A line of fit must pass through at least two of the data points.

No. A line of fit must pass through every data point to be valid.

No. The line is wrong because it misses all the points.