Math Problem Statement

The scatterplot above shows the relationship between the number of hours studied and test scores. Which of the following equation is the most appropriate linear model (line of best fit) for the data shown?

Solution

The scatterplot shows a positive linear relationship between the number of hours studied (x-axis) and test scores (y-axis). To determine the most appropriate equation for the line of best fit, consider the slope (rate of change) and the y-intercept.

Key Observations:

  1. Positive slope: The data shows that as the number of hours studied increases, the test scores increase. This indicates a positive slope.
  2. Intercept: At approximately x=0x = 0, yy seems to be around 60, suggesting the y-intercept is close to 60.

Equation Analysis:

  1. y=10x+30y = -10x + 30: Incorrect, as it has a negative slope and doesn't fit the upward trend.
  2. y=10x+60y = 10x + 60: Likely correct, as it has a positive slope of 10 and a y-intercept of 60.
  3. y=10x+30y = 10x + 30: Incorrect, as the y-intercept (30) is too low compared to the scatterplot.
  4. y=10x+60y = -10x + 60: Incorrect, as it has a negative slope.

Answer:

The most appropriate linear model is: y=10x+60\boxed{y = 10x + 60}

Would you like a detailed explanation of how to compute the slope and intercept from data points?


5 Related Questions:

  1. How do you calculate the slope of a line from data points?
  2. What is the significance of the y-intercept in a linear equation?
  3. How can you verify if a line fits a scatterplot using residuals?
  4. What are alternative methods to determine the best-fit line, like least squares regression?
  5. How does the slope influence predictions in a linear model?

Tip: The y-intercept represents the predicted outcome when the independent variable is zero. Always check this against the graph!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Linear equations
Scatterplots
Lines of best fit

Formulas

y = mx + b

Theorems

Slope-intercept form

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10