Question

Which associations best describe the scatter plot?

Select each correct answer.


Positive association

Linear association

Negative association

Nonlinear association

Scatter plot on a first quadrant coordinate grid. The horizontal axis is labeled Time, in years. The vertical axis is labeled Number infected. Points are plotted at (one, one hundred), (two, ninety), (three, seventy-five), (four, sixty), (five, forty-five), (six, twenty-five), (seven, fifteen), (eight, five), (nine, zero).

Answer 1

The scatter plot described shows a negative and linear association between 'Time' and 'Number infected', making these variables suitable for linear regression.

Step-by-step explanation:

The scatter plot described shows a set of data points that have a clear pattern. As Time in years increases, the Number of infected decreases consistently. This indicates a negative association since the two variables move in opposite directions, where a higher value of time (X-axis) is associated with a lower value of the number infected (Y-axis).

Furthermore, the pattern described by the coordinates suggests that as time increases by one year, the number of infected individuals decreases by a regular amount. This consistent decrease aligns with the characteristics of a linear association, implying that the data points might be closely approximated by a straight line. Therefore, these X and Y variables would be good candidates for linear regression.

Consequently, two associations best describe the scatter plot: negative association and linear association. There is no indication of a positive association or a nonlinear association between the variables as per the provided data points.