Final Answer:
a) No, the assumptions and conditions for finding a correlation are not met.
b) The correlation with the data point (44.5, 9) removed is -0.739.
c) The correct option is C. There is a weak negative linear association.
Explanation:
The negative correlation coefficient of -0.739 in part (a) indicates a weak negative linear association between carbon footprint and highway mileage for 2006 cars. This implies that, on average, as the carbon footprint increases, the highway mileage tends to decrease, but the relationship is not strongly linear. In part (b), the lack of meeting assumptions and conditions for finding a correlation suggests potential issues.
While quantitative variables are present, the negative correlation implies a weak linearity, and the likelihood of outliers challenges the validity of the correlation. Outliers can disproportionately influence the correlation, affecting its accuracy.
Part (c) involves the removal of a specific data point (44.5, 9), and the resulting correlation of -0.739 quantifies the impact of this particular data point. If the correlation significantly changes, it implies that the removed data point had a substantial influence on the overall correlation. This underscores the importance of scrutinizing individual data points for their impact on statistical relationships, particularly in instances where their presence can disproportionately affect the outcome.