Scatter Graphs
A scatter graph plots two things against each other to see if they are linked. The pattern of the points tells you the type of correlation, and a line of best fit lets you make predictions.
What you'll learn
- Plot a scatter graph
- Describe the type of correlation
- Draw a line of best fit
- Use it to estimate values
Correlation
correlation: as one goes up, so does the other. correlation: as one goes up, the other goes down. correlation: no clear pattern. Correlation does not prove one thing causes the other.
Line of best fit
Draw a straight line that follows the trend, with roughly as many points above as below. Use it to predict a value, but be wary of far beyond the data — it becomes unreliable.
Tip — Predicting inside the data range (interpolation) is reliable; far outside (extrapolation) is not.
Remember these
Watch out for these
Key takeaways
- Positive: both rise; negative: one rises as the other falls.
- Line of best fit follows the trend for predictions.
- Correlation ≠ causation; avoid extrapolating too far.
Test yourself
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