Question

the dot plot shows the number of words students spelled correctly on a pre - test.
spelling pre - test
which statement best describes the shape of the graph?
the graph is nearly symmetrical.
the graph is skewed left.
the graph is perfectly symmetrical.
the graph is skewed right.

Explanation:

To determine the shape of the dot - plot:

1. Analyze symmetry: A symmetric graph has a mirror - like image around a central axis. A left - skewed graph has a longer tail on the left, and a right - skewed graph has a longer tail on the right.
2. Observe the dot - plot: The distribution of dots is relatively balanced around the center. There is no long tail on either the left or the right side that would indicate skewness. Also, it is not a perfect symmetry (since the number of dots on each side of the center is not exactly the same), but it is nearly symmetrical. The option "The graph is skewed left" is incorrect as there is no long left - tail. "The graph is perfectly symmetrical" is incorrect as the dot counts on both sides of the center are not identical. "The graph is skewed right" is incorrect as there is no long right - tail.

Answer:

The graph is nearly symmetrical.