Question

can any two of the given data points in a scatter plot be used to write an equation for a trend line? explain.
choose the correct answer below.
a. no. the two points must be the first and last data points. using other points will not yield the correct equation.
b. no. the two points must be data points on the trend line. if the trend line passes through more than two data points, any two may be used.
c. no. the two points must be on the trend line. these points may or may not be given data points.
d. yes. any two of the given data points can be used since every point in the set is valid data.
e. yes. any two of the given data points can be used since the trend line should pass through or nearly pass through all of the data points.

Explanation:

A trend - line represents the general pattern of the data. To write the equation of a trend - line, the two points used must be on the trend - line itself. These points may or may not be among the given data points. Just using any two given data points is not sufficient as the data points may deviate from the trend - line.

Answer:

C. No. The two points must be on the trend line. These points may or may not be given data points.