Question

Help! I need to know how to calculate the slope in this scatter plot

Answer 1

To calculate the slope in a scatter plot, select two points and determine the rise over run.

Step-by-step explanation:

The slope of a straight line between two points can be calculated by determining the rise over run. To calculate the slope:

1. Select two points on the scatter plot.
2. Determine the difference in the y-coordinates (the rise) between the two points.
3. Determine the difference in the x-coordinates (the run) between the two points.
4. Divide the rise by the run to calculate the slope.

For example, if the points (2, 4) and (6, 10) are selected, the rise is 6 and the run is 4. Dividing the rise by the run, we get a slope of 1.5.

Answer 2

If you have access to the data points themselves, you can compute the slope with least-squares regression.

If you don't, the best you can do is approximate the points through which the best-fit line goes. Use any two points; for example, it looks like the line goes through (2, 2.3) and (4, 2.2), so the slope is approximately

`(2.2-2.3)/(4-2)=\frac{-0.1}2=-0.05`

(min/year)