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Problem-Solving and Data AnalysisMediumInterpreting the slope and intercept of a fitted line

Problem-Solving and Data Analysis practice question

A line of best fit for a scatterplot of a taxi's fare y, in dollars, against distance x, in kilometres, is y = 2x + 15. Which statement is the best interpretation?

  1. A. Each extra kilometre is associated with about $2 more in fare, and a very short trip costs about $15.Correct
  2. B. Each extra kilometre is associated with about $15 more in fare.
  3. C. A 2-kilometre trip costs $15.
  4. D. The fare never exceeds $15.

Answer: A. Each extra kilometre is associated with about $2 more in fare, and a very short trip costs about $15.

Slope 2 dollars per km; intercept $15 for zero distance.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. Each extra kilometre is associated with about $15 more in fare.
$15 is the intercept, not the per-km rate.
C. A 2-kilometre trip costs $15.
A 2-km trip costs 4 + 15 = $19.
D. The fare never exceeds $15.
The fare rises without limit as x grows.

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