Equation of Line of Best Fit (Scatter Plots)

Front

What is the equation of a line of best fit?

Back

The equation of a line of best fit is a linear equation that best represents the data points in a scatter plot, minimizing the distance between the points and the line.

Front

What does the slope of a line represent in a scatter plot?

Back

The slope of a line represents the rate of change of the dependent variable (y) with respect to the independent variable (x). A positive slope indicates a direct relationship, while a negative slope indicates an inverse relationship.

Front

What does the y-intercept in a linear equation represent?

Back

The y-intercept is the point where the line crosses the y-axis, representing the value of y when x is 0.

Front

How do you determine the line of best fit from a scatter plot?

Back

To determine the line of best fit, visually assess the scatter plot to find a line that best represents the trend of the data points, or use statistical methods like least squares regression.

Front

What is the purpose of using a line of best fit?

Back

The purpose of using a line of best fit is to make predictions about the dependent variable based on the independent variable and to analyze the relationship between the two variables.

Front

What does it mean if the data points are closely clustered around the line of best fit?

Back

If the data points are closely clustered around the line of best fit, it indicates a strong correlation between the variables, suggesting that the line is a good representation of the data.

Front

What is a scatter plot?

Back

A scatter plot is a graph that displays two variables as points on a Cartesian plane, allowing for the visualization of relationships and trends between the variables.

Front

What does a negative slope indicate in a line of best fit?

Back

A negative slope indicates that as the independent variable increases, the dependent variable decreases, showing an inverse relationship.

Front

What is the formula for the slope (m) of a line given two points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2)?

Back

The formula for the slope (m) is m = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1).

Front

What is the significance of the correlation coefficient in relation to the line of best fit?

Back

The correlation coefficient measures the strength and direction of the linear relationship between two variables, with values closer to 1 or -1 indicating a stronger relationship.