Question

A scatter plot and trend line are shown. Which statement best explains whether the trend

line is a good fit for the data shown in the scatter plot?

The trend line is a good fit because the total
vertical distance between the line and the
points in the plot is small.
The trend line is not a good fit because the
number of points above and below the trend
line are not equal.
The trend line is a good fit because the line
passes through at least one point in the plot.
The trend line is not a good fit because there
is an outlier in the plot that does not follow the
patterns in the data.

Answer 1

Answer: A is correct

Explanation:

Process of elimination:

A: The trend line is a good fit because the total

vertical distance between the line and the

points in the plot is small. This is the correct choice because all the other options have been eliminated.

B: The trend line is not a good fit because the

number of points above and below the trend

line are not equal. Trend lines are used to show the average slope of data meaning that the number of points above or below does not matter.

C: The trend line is a good fit because the line

passes through at least one point in the plot. It is possible to create a graph that uses a trend line that doesn't pass through at least one point.

D: The trend line is not a good fit because there

is an outlier in the plot that does not follow the

patterns in the data. Just because one point is a little farther away than others, does not mean that a trend line is not a good fit.