Question

Robert has measured the engine speed in horsepower of four different sports cars and listed the results in a table. He then graphed the results on a scatterplot. He noticed that the points closely follow a line. What can Robert conclude from this information?

1) The engine speed of sports cars is directly proportional to their horsepower.
2) The engine speed of sports cars is inversely proportional to their horsepower.
3) The engine speed of sports cars is not related to their horsepower.
4) The engine speed of sports cars is determined by factors other than horsepower.

Answer 1

Robert's scatterplot showing a linear correlation indicates that the engine speed of sports cars is directly proportional to their horsepower.

Step-by-step explanation:

If Robert has graphed the engine speed in horsepower of different sports cars on a scatterplot and noticed that the points closely follow a line, he can conclude that there is a correlation between engine speed and horsepower. Since the points form a line rather than curving downwards, this suggests the relationship is likely directly proportional, not inversely proportional or unrelated. Therefore, the most appropriate conclusion Robert can draw from this data is that the engine speed of sports cars is directly proportional to their horsepower.