sat suite question viewer
Which of the following equations is the most appropriate linear model for the data shown in the scatterplot?
Explanation
Choice B is correct. The equation representing a linear model can be written in the form , or , where is the slope of the graph of the model and is the y-intercept of the graph of the model. The scatterplot shows that as the x-values of the data points increase, the y-values of the data points decrease, which means the graph of an appropriate linear model has a negative slope. Therefore, . The scatterplot also shows that the data points are close to the y-axis at a positive value of . Therefore, the y-intercept of the graph of an appropriate linear model has a positive y-coordinate, which means . Of the given choices, only choice B, , has a negative value for , the slope, and a positive value for , the y-coordinate of the y-intercept.
Choice A is incorrect. The graph of this model has a y-intercept with a negative y-coordinate, not a positive y-coordinate.
Choice C is incorrect. The graph of this model has a positive slope, not a negative slope, and a y-intercept with a negative y-coordinate, not a positive y-coordinate.
Choice D is incorrect. The graph of this model has a positive slope, not a negative slope.