Question
Does this scatter plot show a positive trend , a negative trend, or no trend?
Answer
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Elizabeth
Elite · Tutor for 8 years
Answer
Step 1: Understand the relationship between variables in a scatter plot.In a scatter plot, a positive trend is indicated when the points tend to go upwards as you move from left to right, meaning as one variable increases, the other variable also increases. A negative trend is indicated when the points tend to go downwards as you move from left to right, meaning as one variable increases, the other variable decreases. If there is no clear upward or downward trend and the points are randomly scattered, then there is no trend.Step 2: Apply the concept of inverse proportionality to the scatter plot.Since the horizontal and vertical coordinates of the scatter points are inversely proportional, this means that as one variable increases, the other variable decreases. This is a hallmark of a negative correlation or negative trend.Step 3: Determine the trend based on the given information.Given that the scatter plot shows points where the horizontal and vertical coordinates are inversely proportional, we can conclude that the scatter plot shows a negative trend.Answer: The scatter plot shows a negative trend.