Question

the table lists weights (pounds) and highway mileage amounts (mpg) for seven automobiles. use the sample data to construct a scatterplot. use the first variable for the x - axis. based on the scatterplot, what do you conclude about a linear correlation? which scatterplot below shows the data? a. highway (mpg) weight (lb) b. highway (mpg) weight (lb) c. highway (mpg) weight (lb) d. highway (mpg) weight (lb)

Explanation:

Step1: Understand scatter - plot concept

A scatter - plot shows the relationship between two variables. Here, the variables are weight (x - axis) and highway mileage (y - axis). As weight increases, we expect highway mileage to generally decrease (negative correlation).

Step2: Analyze each scatter - plot

In a negative correlation, points should generally slope downwards from left to right.

• Option A: Points are randomly scattered, no clear linear pattern.
• Option B: Points are randomly scattered, no clear linear pattern.
• Option C: Points show an upward - sloping pattern (positive correlation), which is incorrect as heavier cars usually have lower mileage.
• Option D: Points generally slope downwards from left to right, indicating a negative linear correlation.

Answer:

D.