Final Answer:
The scatter plot that displays the data best is the one where the speed
is on the x-axis and the fuel used (in liters) is on the y-axis.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a scatter plot, the x-axis typically represents the independent variable or the explanatory variable, while the y-axis represents the dependent variable. In this case, the speed of the car is the independent variable, and the fuel used is the dependent variable. To understand the relationship between speed and fuel consumption, it makes sense to place speed on the x-axis, as changes in speed are likely to influence fuel usage.
Analyzing the data, as speed increases, there seems to be a non-linear decrease in fuel usage. Placing speed on the x-axis allows for a clear visualization of this relationship. It ensures that the audience easily identifies the explanatory variable and observes the trend in fuel consumption as speed varies. This choice adheres to the convention of presenting data in a clear and interpretable manner, promoting better understanding for anyone analyzing the scatter plot.
Choosing an appropriate scale for both axes is crucial. The scale should be selected to accommodate the range of values in the dataset. In this case, the speed values range from 20 to 120 km/hour, and the fuel usage values vary from 5.9 to 13.0 liters. A suitable scale ensures that the scatter plot captures the nuances in the data without exaggerating or diminishing the observed trends.