Final answer:
A correlation coefficient (r) of -0.55 between latitude and average July temperature indicates a moderate negative linear correlation, meaning as latitude increases, the July temperature tends to decrease.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correlation coefficient r indicates the strength and direction of a linear relationship between two variables.
In the context of the relationship between latitude and average July temperature of major American cities, an r value of -0.55 suggests there is a moderate negative linear correlation. This implies that as the latitude increases (meaning moving further north), the average temperature in July tends to decrease.
For every increase of 1 degree in latitude, there is a decrease of approximately 0.55 degrees in the average temperature in July.
However, it's important to note that while there is a correlation between latitude and temperature, other factors such as altitude, ocean currents, and local geography can also influence temperatures in specific locations.