A scatterplot whose dots rise along a nearly straight path shows a linear trend: equal increases in practice time bring about similar increases in the predicted count. For a prediction beyond the last dot, read two nearby dots, find the change per hour, and carry it forward. Don’t stop at the last measured dot; the question asks you to extend the trend.
Hints
- Hint 1
Each dot on a scatterplot pairs a practice time on the horizontal axis with a number of free throws made on the vertical axis. Which two dots near the requested time show a one-hour change?
- Hint 2
A linear trend rises by about the same amount for each extra hour. Find the increase from to hours, then add it once to the count at hours.
Step-by-step
Extend the one-hour pattern
Step 1Find the increase per hour
The dots at and show one more hour of practice. Type in Desmos; it shows . The other dots follow the same straight path, so the linear trend gains made free throws per hour. Move one hour right, then move up.
- Step 2
Predict the count at 9 hours
hours is one hour past the last plotted dot, . Type in Desmos; it shows . The student is predicted to make free throws out of . The at hours is an observed count, not the requested prediction. Choice B.