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Problem-Solving and Data Analysis Difficulty: Easy
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Which of the following equations is the most appropriate linear model for the data shown in the scatterplot?

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Explanation

Choice B is correct. The equation representing a linear model can be written in the form y=a+bx, or y=bx+a, where b is the slope of the graph of the model and 0,a 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, b<0. The scatterplot also shows that the data points are close to the y-axis at a positive value of y . Therefore, the y-intercept of the graph of an appropriate linear model has a positive y-coordinate, which means a>0. Of the given choices, only choice B, y=-1.9x+10.1, has a negative value for b , the slope, and a positive value for a , 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.