Question

the scatter plot below shows the relationship between degrees of temperature and ice cream cones sold. the equation for the line of best fit is ( y = 1.4x + 4 ). what is the meaning of 1.4 in the equation?

Explanation:

Step1: Recall slope-intercept form

The equation of a line in slope - intercept form is \(y = mx + b\), where \(m\) is the slope (rate of change) and \(b\) is the y - intercept (initial value when \(x = 0\)).

Step2: Identify variables in the given equation

In the equation \(y=1.4x + 4\), \(x\) represents the degrees of temperature and \(y\) represents the number of ice cream cones sold. Comparing with \(y = mx + b\), \(m = 1.4\) and \(b = 4\).

Step3: Interpret the slope

The slope \(m = 1.4\) represents the rate of change of \(y\) with respect to \(x\). So, for every 1 - degree increase in temperature (\(x\) increases by 1), the number of ice cream cones sold (\(y\)) increases by 1.4.

Answer:

For every 1 - degree increase in temperature, the number of ice cream cones sold increases by 1.4.