Question 14·Medium·Two-Variable Data: Models and Scatterplots
Each dot in the scatterplot represents one day of data for a solar panel. The horizontal coordinate is the number of hours of direct sunlight that day, and the vertical coordinate is the amount of energy produced, in kilowatt-hours (kWh), that day.
The graph of which equation gives a line that most closely fits the data?
For a line of best fit question, estimate the slope using two points that represent the overall trend (often near the leftmost and rightmost points of the cluster), then use one point to estimate the -intercept. Finally, choose the option whose slope and intercept match those estimates and whose line would run through the center of the scatterplot.
Hints
Look at the overall trend
The points increase as increases, so the best-fit line should have a positive slope.
Estimate rise over run
Pick two points near the left and right ends of the cluster and compute to estimate the slope.
Check where the line would cross the y-axis
After estimating the slope, use a point from the graph to estimate the -intercept (the value of when ).
Desmos Guide
Enter the points in a table
In Desmos, add a table and enter the approximate plotted points, such as , , , , , , and .
Graph the four candidate lines
Enter each answer choice as an equation (one per line), for example , and so on.
Compare which line best fits the cluster
Look for the line that passes through the middle of the points with about the same number of points above as below, especially near and .
Step-by-step Explanation
Estimate the slope from the scatterplot
Choose two points that are close to the overall trend, such as about and . Then estimate the slope:
Estimate the y-intercept
Use a point near the trend, such as , in :
Match the equation
A line with slope and -intercept is
So the correct choice is .