Question

determine whether the graph shows a positive correlation, a negative correlation, or no correlation. if there is a positive or negative correlation, describe its meaning in the situation. united states birth rate (per 1000) graph with year (1990, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000) on x - axis and birth rate (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24) on y - axis. source: national center for health statistics, u.s. dept. of health and human services

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze the trend of data points

Looking at the graph, the data points (representing birth rate over years) are relatively flat or show no upward or downward trend as the year (x - axis) increases.

Step2: Determine the type of correlation

A positive correlation would mean as x (year) increases, y (birth rate) increases. A negative correlation would mean as x increases, y decreases. Since the points don't show an upward or downward trend, there's no correlation. Also, if we were to check the scatter, they are clustered in a way that doesn't indicate a positive or negative linear relationship.

Answer:

The graph shows no correlation. This means that as the years progress (from 1990 to 2000), there is no consistent upward or downward trend in the United States birth rate (per 1000 people); the birth rate does not appear to be related to the passage of time in a linear (positive or negative) way during this period.