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Problem-Solving and Data AnalysisEasy–MediumDescribing an association from a scatterplot

Problem-Solving and Data Analysis practice question

In a scatterplot, the points lie close to a straight line that slopes downward from left to right. Which of the following best describes the association between the two variables?

  1. A. A strong negative association.Correct
  2. B. A weak negative association.
  3. C. A strong positive association.
  4. D. No association.

Answer: A. A strong negative association.

'Close to a straight line' means strong; 'slopes downward' means negative — as x increases, y tends to decrease.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. A weak negative association.
Points close to the line indicate a STRONG association, not a weak one.
C. A strong positive association.
A downward slope is a negative association.
D. No association.
Points clustered along a line show a clear association.

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