G S Rehill's Interactive Maths Software Series - "Building a Strong Foundation in Mathematics" from mathsteacher.com.au.

Order a 12-month Year 7 Interactive Maths software Homework Licence for only $19.95. Order a 12-month Year 8 Interactive Maths software Homework Licence for only $19.95. Order a 12-month Year 9 Interactive Maths software Homework Licence for only $19.95. Order a 12-month Year 10 Interactive Maths software Homework Licence for only $19.95.

Year 10 Interactive Maths - Second Edition


Line of Best Fit

A line of best fit is drawn through a scatterplot to find the direction of an association between two variables. This line of best fit can then be used to make predictions.

To draw a line of best fit, balance the number of points above the line with the number of points below the line.


Example 13

The following table describes data for the number of people using a swimming pool over 8 days in summer and the corresponding maximum temperature (in degrees Celsius) on each day.

a.  Draw a scatterplot for this set of data.
b.  Draw a line of best fit through the data by eye.
c.  Is association positive or negative?
d.  Is association weak or strong?
e.  Use the line of best fit to predict the swimming pool attendance where the daily maximum temperature is:
(i)  18 șC          (ii)  30 șC           (iii)  40 șC

Solution:

a.  The scatterplot is obtained by plotting against x, as shown below.

b.  A line of best fit by eye is drawn through the scatterplot so that an equal number of points lie on either side of the line and/or the sum of the distances of the points above the line are roughly equal to the sum of the distances below the line.

c.  It is clear that y increases as x increases. So, the association between the variables is positive.

d.  The data is spread about the line. So, the association between the variables is weak.

e.
(i)  When x = 18, y = 260
     So, about 260 people are expected to attend the swimming pool.

(ii)  When x = 30, y = 400
      So, about 400 people are expected to attend the swimming pool.

(iii)  When x = 40, y = 520
       So, about 520 people are expected to attend the swimming pool.


Key Terms

line of best fit


| Home Page | Order Maths Software | About the Series | Maths Software Tutorials |
| Year 7 Maths Software | Year 8 Maths Software | Year 9 Maths Software | Year 10 Maths Software |
| Homework Software | Tutor Software | Maths Software Platform | Trial Maths Software |
| Feedback | About mathsteacher.com.au | Terms and Conditions | Our Policies | Links | Contact |

Copyright © 2000-2022 mathsteacher.com Pty Ltd.  All rights reserved.
Australian Business Number 53 056 217 611

Copyright instructions for educational institutions

Please read the Terms and Conditions of Use of this Website and our Privacy and Other Policies.
If you experience difficulties when using this Website, tell us through the feedback form or by phoning the contact telephone number.