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

1.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.

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

3.A scatter graph has 50 points. Most of them lie close to a rising line of best fit, but two of them lie a long way from that line. Write down how those two points should be treated.

4.A scatter graph of taxi journeys in Bristol shows the distance, x miles, and the fare, y pounds. The line of best fit is y = 2x + 3.50. Work out the estimated fare for a journey of 6 miles, using the line of best fit.

5.A café owner in Brighton records the midday temperature, x °C, and the number of hot chocolates sold, y, on 12 days. The temperatures recorded run from 4 °C to 18 °C, and the line of best fit is y = −3x + 74. The forecast for tomorrow gives a midday temperature of 12 °C. Work out the number the line of best fit predicts, and write down how much confidence the owner can have in it.

6.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?

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

8.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.

9.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.

10.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.

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

12.A scatter graph shows the midday temperature, x °C, and the number of ice creams sold at a seaside kiosk, y. The line of best fit is y = 3x − 20. Give a reason why the y-intercept of this line of best fit is not a sensible estimate of the number of ice creams sold.

13.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.

14.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.

15.A scatter graph shows the number of days, x, that each of 16 tomato plants was watered and its height, y cm. The line of best fit has equation y = 1.5x + 4. Write down what the 1.5 in this equation tells you about the plants.