A scatterplot shows the floor area x, in square feet, and the... | SAT Two-variable data: models and scatterplots Question, Answer Explained

Question bank / Two-variable data: models and scatterplots

Math · Problem-Solving and Data AnalysisEasy

A scatterplot shows the floor area $x$ , in square feet, and the monthly rent $y$ , in dollars, for $30$ apartments in a city. The line of best fit for the data is $y = 1.6x + 420$ . Based on the line of best fit, what is the predicted monthly rent for an apartment with a floor area of $750$ square feet?

$\$1{,}170$

$\$1{,}200$

$\$1{,}620$

$\$1{,}872$

Show answer and explanation

Answer: C

Substitute $x = 750$ into the equation: $y = 1.6(750) + 420 = 1{,}200 + 420 = 1{,}620$ . The predicted rent is $\$1{,}620$ .

Choice B is $1.6(750)$ alone, which leaves out the $420$ in the equation.

Why the other choices are wrong

A. This adds 750 and 420, but 750 must first be multiplied by the slope, 1.6.
B. This is 1.6 × 750 alone, which leaves out the 420 in the equation.
D. This multiplies 1.6 by 750 + 420. Multiply 1.6 by 750 first, then add 420.

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