Final answer:
Visually inspecting a graph allows for the analysis of data and identification of patterns. It helps express equations visually and understand relationships between variables. Critical analysis is vital due to potential biases in graph presentation. Option 2 is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of visually inspecting a graph of results is multifaceted. Primarily, the visual inspection serves to analyze data and identify patterns that may not be immediately apparent in a tabulated dataset. It allows for an immediate grasp of the distribution, trends, and potential outliers within the data.
Additionally, graphs are used to express equations visually, which is essential for understanding the relationship between variables. When inspecting a graph, one can determine conditions leading to certain behaviors, study the form and strength of relationships, and predict future outcomes based on historical data trends.
To effectively interpret a graph, one should follow certain steps:
Decide which variable should be the independent variable and which should be the dependent variable.
Draw a scatter plot of the data.
Analyze the plot to discern if there appears to be a relationship between the variables, assessing both visually and statistically.
Calculate the least-squares line and put the equation in the form ý = a + bx.
It is important to remember that any graph can be biased based on the choices made during its creation, such as the range of data included, how the data is divided, and the scale of axes. Therefore, critical analysis is necessary to draw accurate conclusions from a graph.