New
New
Year 10
Higher

Estimating from scatter graphs

I can estimate from scatter graphs.

New
New
Year 10
Higher

Estimating from scatter graphs

I can estimate from scatter graphs.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. When a linear trend can be identified, you can draw a line of best fit.
  2. The line of best fit should represent the trend of the data.
  3. The line of best fit can be used to estimate the values of a data point.
  4. Lines of best fit should only be used to estimate the dependent variable.

Common misconception

The line of best fit always start at the origin.

The line of best fit could start at the origin but it does not always start there. This could be exemplified clearly with a scatter graph that has negative correlation.

Keywords

  • Line of best fit - A line of best fit is a line where the distance between each data point and the line is minimised.

The slide deck contains a link to a scatter graph on Geogebra, which allows the user to adjust the line of best fit and observe how each adjustment affects its vertical distance to each point. This could be done as a demonstration by the teacher or individually by pupils with access to the internet.
Teacher tip

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

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6 Questions

Q1.
Correlation describes the extent to which a relationship between two variables is close to a relationship.
Correct Answer: linear, Linear
Q2.
Select the scatter graph which does not show an association between the two variables.
Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
Q3.
Which of these scatter graphs shows a negative correlation?
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
Q4.
This scatter graph shows the value of a car and its age. The scatter graph shows correlation.
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: negative, Negative
Q5.
Lucas says, ‘A positive correlation means that one variable causes the increase in the other variable.” Is Lucas correct?
Yes, one variable is affecting the other.
Yes, correlation means one variable causes the other to increase.
No, one variable cause the other variable to decrease.
Correct answer: No, the increase in both variables might be caused by a third variable.
Q6.
This scatter graph shows data taken from an gas supplier about energy bills and outside daily temperatures. Select the correct statement.
An image in a quiz
As the mean gas bill increases, mean temperature decreases.
As the mean gas bill increases, mean temperature increases.
As temperature decreases, the mean gas bill decreases.
Correct answer: As temperature increases, the mean gas bill decreases.

6 Questions

Q1.
A line of is a line where the distance between each data point and the line is minimised.
Correct Answer: best fit, Best fit, Best Fit
Q2.
Andeep says the line of best fit must always go through the origin. Is Andeep correct?
No, only lines of best fit for positive correlation go through the origin.
Correct answer: No, the line of best fit depends on the distribution of the points.
Yes, when one variable is zero the other must be too.
Yes, it should always start in the bottom left corner of the graph.
Q3.
Which of these graphs has an appropriate line of best fit?
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
Q4.
The scatter graph shows data taken from the ONS, where each point represents a region in the UK. Use the line of best fit to estimate the population of a region with emissions of 1000 kt CO2.
An image in a quiz
750
780
700 000
Correct answer: 750 000
800 000
Q5.
The scatter graph shows data taken from the ONS about regions in the UK. An estimate for the median income in a region where the median house price is £300 000 is £ to the nearest thousand.
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: 30 000, 30,000, 30000, £30 000
Q6.
The scatter graph shows data taken from the ONS about regions in the UK. The population of a region is predicted to double from 200 000 to 400 000, estimate how many more cell towers the region needs.
An image in a quiz
2000
Correct answer: 4000
8000
10 000