Question

4.2 ap-9
how do you know if a scatter plot shows a nonlinear relationship?
choose the correct answer below.
a. there is no association between the data points.
b. the points in the scatter plot form a line.
c. a trend line can be drawn to shown the association.
d. the points in the scatter plot form a curve or circle.

Explanation:

• Option A: No association means no relationship (linear or nonlinear), so A is incorrect.
• Option B: Points forming a line indicates a linear relationship, not nonlinear, so B is incorrect.
• Option C: A trend line (usually linear) shows linear association, not specific to nonlinear, so C is incorrect.
• Option D: A curve or circle - shaped pattern of points in a scatter plot indicates a nonlinear relationship, as linear is a straight line and nonlinear deviates into curves.

Answer:

D. The points in the scatter plot form a curve or circle.