SAT-Style: Interpreting Scatterplot Data

SAT Math · Axiom Academy

SAT-Style Scatter Plot Interpretation Reading scatter plots and using lines of best fit Problem 1: Identifying Correlation and Making Predictions A scatter plot shows the relationship between hours studied (x-axis) and test scores (y-axis) for 25 students. The points show a clear upward trend, with a line of best fit given by the equation y = 5x + 55 . A student studies for 8 hours. What test score does the model predict? Interpret the slope in context. Part 1: Describe the Correlation The points show a clear upward trend from lower-left to upper-right, with relatively little scatter around the line. Answer: There is a strong positive correlation between hours studied and test scores. As study hours increase, test scores tend to increase. Part 2: Predict Test Score for 8 Hours of Study Use the line of best fit equation: y = 5x + 55 Answer: The model predicts a test score of 95. The slope is 5. This means for every additional hour of studying, the predicted test score increases by 5 points. Answer: For each additional hour studied, the model predicts a 5-point increase in test score. Problem 2: Finding the Line of Best Fit A teacher has plotted student test scores against the number of assignments completed. The data shows these approximate points: (5, 60), (8, 72), (12, 85), (15, 95). Task: Find the slope of the line of best fit and interpret it. Step 1: Identify Two Points on or Near the Line We'll use the first and last points: (5, 60) and (15, 95)

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