SAT Two-variable data: models and scatterplots Practice Question 5 (Easy) | SAT Owl

Question bank / Two-variable data: models and scatterplots

Math · Problem-Solving and Data AnalysisEasy

A scatterplot of data shows that as the values of $x$ increase, the values of $y$ decrease, and the points lie very close to a straight line. Which of the following best describes the association between $x$ and $y$ ?

A

Weak positive linear association

B

Strong positive linear association

C

No association

D

Strong negative linear association

Show answer and explanation

Answer: D

When $y$ tends to decrease as $x$ increases, the association is negative. Points that lie close to a line indicate a strong linear association. Together, this is a strong negative linear association.

Choice B correctly identifies the strength but confuses the direction; decreasing $y$ -values mean a negative association.

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