Question

which is the best estimate for the value of r in the scatter plot? variable y variable x 0.2 -1 -0.9 1

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze scatter - plot trend

The points in the scatter - plot show a strong negative linear relationship. As the value of variable $x$ increases, the value of variable $y$ decreases in a fairly linear fashion.

Step2: Recall correlation coefficient range

The correlation coefficient $r$ ranges from - 1 to 1. A value of $r = 1$ indicates a perfect positive linear relationship, $r=-1$ indicates a perfect negative linear relationship, and $r = 0$ indicates no linear relationship.

Step3: Estimate $r$ value

Since the relationship is strong and negative, $r$ should be close to - 1. Among the given options, - 0.9 is the value that best represents this strong negative linear relationship.

Answer:

-0.9