Question

which graph shows the line of best fit for the data?

Explanation:

Step1: Recall line - of - best - fit concept

The line of best fit is a straight line that best represents the data on a scatter - plot. It should be positioned such that the sum of the vertical distances from the data points to the line is minimized.

Step2: Analyze the scatter - plot data

Look at the general trend of the data points. If the data points seem to be decreasing from left to right, the line of best fit should have a negative slope. If they are increasing from left to right, the line of best fit should have a positive slope. Also, the line should pass through the "center" of the data cloud.

Step3: Evaluate each graph

In the first graph, the line has a negative slope and seems to pass through the approximate center of the data points. In the second graph, the line has a positive slope but does not seem to capture the overall trend well as the data has a more negative - sloped trend. In the third graph, the line has a very steep negative slope and does not seem to be centered among the data points. In the fourth graph, the line has a positive slope which does not match the overall negative - sloped trend of the data.

Answer:

The first graph (top - left graph) shows the line of best fit for the data.