Scatter graphs, correlation and lines of best fit worksheet — GCSE Foundation

1.Four pairs of variables are listed below. Write down the pair that you would expect to show negative correlation.

2.The age, in years, and the score in a reaction test are recorded for eight members of a sports club: (14, 92), (18, 88), (23, 85), (27, 80), (31, 78), (36, 74), (42, 70), (49, 65). The eight pairs are plotted on a scatter graph. Describe the correlation between age and score.

3.On a scatter graph the horizontal axis shows height in centimetres and the vertical axis shows mass in kilograms. One point is plotted at (170, 65). Write down the height and the mass of that person.

4.A scatter graph shows the number of guests, x, at a wedding and the length of buffet table needed, y metres. The line of best fit is y = 0.5x + 2. Write down what the 2 in this equation tells you about the buffet table.

5.A scatter graph shows the number of years of experience, x, of 18 sales assistants and their monthly sales, y hundred pounds. The plotted points run from x = 1 to x = 12 years, and the line of best fit is y = 4x + 20. A new assistant has 25 years of experience. Use the line of best fit to estimate a value of y for this assistant, and decide whether the estimate would be reliable.

6.Four pairs of variables are listed below. Write down the pair that you would expect to show no correlation.

7.A scatter graph shows the mass, x kg, of a parcel and the cost, y pounds, of posting it. The line of best fit is y = 1.5x + 2. Work out the estimated cost of posting a parcel with a mass of 6 kg, using the line of best fit.

8.On a scatter graph of the arm span and the height of some pupils, the points rise from left to right. Write down the type of correlation this shows.

9.A straight line is drawn on a scatter graph to show the trend of the points. Write down the name given to this line.

10.A scatter graph of the number of hours, x, that pupils revised against their test score, y, has the line of best fit y = 2.5x + 15. Amelia wants a score of at least 80. Work out the least whole number of hours of revision the line of best fit suggests she needs.

11.A scatter graph shows the number of hours of sunshine, x, and the number of visitors, y, at an outdoor swimming pool in Torquay on each of 15 days. The line of best fit passes through the points (5, 150) and (15, 350). Work out the estimated number of visitors on a day with 8 hours of sunshine, using the line of best fit.

12.A scatter graph of the number of ice creams sold at a seaside kiosk in Bournemouth and the number of sunburn cases treated at a nearby pharmacy, recorded on the same 30 days, shows strong positive correlation. Which statement about this correlation is correct?

13.Write down the statement that correctly describes the difference between correlation and causation.

14.A study found that people who drink more coffee tend to concentrate better at work. A coffee company says that this shows that drinking coffee improves concentration. Give the reason why this conclusion cannot be drawn.

15.A scatter graph plots the shoe size and the spelling test score of 25 pupils. The points are scattered with no pattern across the graph. Write down the type of correlation shown.