Question 37·Easy·Two-Variable Data: Models and Scatterplots
A student recorded the number of practice quizzes taken and the score on a later test. The scatterplot shown represents the data.
Which choice identifies a point on the scatterplot that is an outlier?
First, scan the scatterplot to see the overall direction of the data (increasing, decreasing, or no association). Then look for the one point that is clearly separated from the main cluster of points that follow that trend; that separated point is the outlier.
Hints
Look for the overall trend
Decide whether the points generally go up, go down, or show no clear pattern as increases.
Compare distances from the cluster
An outlier is a point that sits noticeably far away from the group of points that follow the trend.
Check points with similar -values
If two points have nearly the same -value, compare their -values. A big difference can signal an outlier.
Desmos Guide
Enter the data in a table
In Desmos, add a table and enter the pairs shown in the scatterplot as two columns.
Look for the point farthest from the trend
Observe the general upward pattern of the plotted points, then identify the single point that lies noticeably far below the rest.
Step-by-step Explanation
Describe the overall pattern
From the scatterplot, the scores generally increase as the number of practice quizzes increases (a positive association).
Find the point far from the pattern
Near , the other point is around a score in the low 90s, but is far below the cluster and the overall trend, so it is the outlier.
Answer: