Question

The equation of the trend line on the scatterplot below is y = 1.38x - 0.52. Using the trend line equation, what is the predicted approximate value of y when x = 3.5?

1) 2.98
2) 4.02
3) 4.31
4) 5.35

Answer 1

To predict the value of y for x = 3.5 using the trend line equation y = 1.38x - 0.52, substitute 3.5 into the equation. After calculations, the predicted value is 4.31.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question involves using a trend line equation from a scatterplot to make a prediction about a data point. When x = 3.5, we substitute this value into the trend line equation y = 1.38x - 0.52 to find the predicted value of y. Performing the calculation:

y = 1.38(3.5) - 0.52

y = 4.83 - 0.52

y = 4.31

Therefore, the predicted approximate value of y when x = 3.5 is 4.31, which corresponds to option 3.