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Problem-Solving and Data AnalysisVery hardResidual from a line of best fit

Problem-Solving and Data Analysis practice question

A scatterplot shows the number of hours x that students studied and their test scores y. The line of best fit is y = 1.8x + 12. One student studied 20 hours and scored 44. What is the residual (actual score minus predicted score) for that student?

Answer: -4

Predicted score: 1.8(20) + 12 = 48. Residual: 44 − 48 = −4.

Common wrong answers

If you answered 4
4 is predicted minus actual; the residual is actual minus predicted.
If you answered 48
48 is the predicted score, not the residual.
If you answered -8
−8 uses a predicted score of 52, from 1.8 × 20 = 40 plus 12 = 52 miscalculated.

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