Question

8.4.3 test (cst): data and mathematical modeling
by visual inspection, determine the best - fitting regression model for the scatterplot.
a. linear
b. quadratic
c. exponential
d. no pattern

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze the scatter - plot

Observe the general trend of the data points.

Step2: Check for linearity

A linear regression model has data points that roughly follow a straight - line pattern. In the given scatter - plot, the data points seem to follow a straight - line trend (even though it is a decreasing straight - line trend).
A quadratic model would have a U - shaped or inverted U - shaped pattern. There is no such curvature in the given scatter - plot.
An exponential model would have a pattern where the rate of change of \(y\) with respect to \(x\) is proportional to \(y\) (either growing or decaying exponentially), which is not the case here.
Since the points follow a straight - line (linear) trend, there is a pattern.

Answer:

A. Linear