Question 9·Hard·Two-Variable Data: Models and Scatterplots
The scatterplot shows the relationship between two variables, and , for data set G. A line of best fit is shown.
Data set H is created by applying the following changes to each point in data set G:
- The -coordinate is multiplied by and then is added.
- The -coordinate is decreased by and then divided by .
Which choice could be an equation of a line of best fit for data set H?
First, get the original line of best fit from the graph by using two clear points that are labeled on the line (this avoids estimating from scattered points). Then translate the coordinate changes into equations relating the old coordinates to the new coordinates, solve those for the old variables, and substitute into the original line. The most common errors are (1) changing the intercept but not the slope when is scaled, and (2) forgetting that scaling changes the slope in the opposite way (doubling cuts the slope in half).
Hints
Use the labeled points on the line
Ignore the scattered points for a moment and use the two labeled points that lie on the line of best fit to find its slope.
Keep the “old” and “new” variables separate
Write the transformations using two sets of variables (like and ) so you do not mix up which coordinates belong to which data set.
Substitute to rewrite the line
After finding the line equation for data set G, replace and using expressions in terms of the new coordinates for data set H, then simplify to solve for the new in terms of the new .
Desmos Guide
Enter the two labeled points
In Desmos, enter the points (2,34) and (10,14).
Compute the slope
Define m = (14-34)/(10-2) and note the value Desmos shows for m.
Compute the intercept for data set G
Define b = 34 - m*2 to get the line .
Encode the coordinate transformations
Use the transformations to write old coordinates in terms of new ones:
xG = (x-4)/2yG = 2y+6
Graph the transformed line and compare to the choices
Enter the equation yG = m*xG + b (using your definitions for xG and yG). Desmos will graph a line in the plane.
Find its -intercept and slope (rise over run) from the graph, then choose the answer option whose intercept and slope match.
Step-by-step Explanation
Read two points from the line of best fit
From the graph, the line of best fit passes through the labeled points and . These two points determine the line for data set G.
Find the equation for data set G
Compute the slope:
Use to find the intercept :
So a line of best fit for data set G is .
Rewrite the coordinate changes as equations
Let be coordinates in data set G and be coordinates in data set H.
The transformations described give:
Solve each for the old variables in terms of the new ones:
Substitute into the line from data set G and simplify
Start with the line for data set G:
Substitute and :
Simplify:
Match to an answer choice
Thus an equation of a line of best fit for data set H could be .