Problem-Solving and Data AnalysisEasy–MediumA line of best fit with slope zero
Problem-Solving and Data Analysis practice question
The line of best fit for a scatterplot has a slope of 0. Which of the following best describes the relationship shown by the scatterplot?
- A. The y-values tend to stay about the same as the x-values increase.Correct
- B. The y-values tend to increase as the x-values increase.
- C. The y-values tend to decrease as the x-values increase.
- D. Every point lies exactly on the line of best fit.
Answer: A. The y-values tend to stay about the same as the x-values increase.
A slope of zero means the fitted line is horizontal: on average, y doesn't change with x.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. The y-values tend to increase as the x-values increase.
- An increasing trend would give a positive slope.
- C. The y-values tend to decrease as the x-values increase.
- A decreasing trend would give a negative slope.
- D. Every point lies exactly on the line of best fit.
- A slope of zero says nothing about how close the points are to the line.
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