Chapter 8.9, Problem 12HP

To determine

To calculate: To explain how a line can be used to make predictions. Include a description of a line of fit and an explanation of how a line can represent a set of data that is not exactly linear

Answer to Problem 12HP

Slope of line used to make predictions, whether the trend is negative or positive based on whether slope is negative or positive.

Explanation of Solution

Given information: A line

Let us consider a slope intercept form of line as follows:

  $y=mx+c$

Here, $m=slope$

Now, if the value of $m$ is positive, thus trend is positive

And if the value of $m$ is negative, thus trend is negative.

Thus, using the line, one can make predictions.

The line may pass through some of the points, none of the points or all the points, this line is referred to line of best fit or trend line. This line best represents the data on a scatter plot.