Option F (y= -4x+36) best fits the scatter plot based on its slope and proximity to data points. It captures the decreasing trend as years increase and minimizes distance to most points.
Based on the data in the table and the scatter plot, the linear function that best fits the data is F) y = -4x + 36.
Here's why the other options are not as good:
®y = -4x + 40: This line is slightly steeper than the best fit line and would miss some of the data points in the upper left portion of the graph.
€y = -1.6x + 30: This line is much shallower than the best fit line and would miss most of the data points.
®y = -1.6x + 41: This line is also shallower than the best fit line and would miss many of the data points, especially those in the lower right portion of the graph.
The line y = -4x + 36 captures the general trend of the data, with a negative slope indicating a decrease in stolen bases as the year increases. It also passes near the majority of the data points, suggesting a good fit.
Therefore, based on the visual evidence, option F is the most likely linear function to best fit the scatter plot.
It's important to note that there is no single "perfect" way to fit a line to a scatter plot, and other linear functions could also be used to approximate the data. However, based on the criteria of closeness to the data points and capturing the overall trend, option F appears to be the best choice in this case.