Question

which describes a correct way to construct a scatterplot?
when analyzing the number of home runs that a baseball player hit over several seasons, the season is the independent variable.
when analyzing the number of umbrellas that are sold during days with varying amounts of rain, the number of umbrellas that are sold is the independent variable.
when analyzing the number of registered voters by age, age is the dependent variable.
when analyzing the number of students that ride the school bus each day of the week, the day is the dependent variable.

Explanation:

• Independent variable: A variable that is not affected by other variables. It is the variable that is changed or controlled in a scientific experiment to test the effects on the dependent variable.
• Dependent variable: A variable that is affected by other variables. It is the variable that is measured or tested in a scientific experiment.
• In the case of analyzing the number of home runs that a baseball player hit over several seasons, the season is the independent variable because it is not affected by the number of home runs. The number of home runs is the dependent variable because it is affected by the season.
• In the case of analyzing the number of umbrellas that are sold during days with varying amounts of rain, the amount of rain is the independent variable because it is not affected by the number of umbrellas sold. The number of umbrellas sold is the dependent variable because it is affected by the amount of rain.
• In the case of analyzing the number of registered voters by age, age is the independent variable because it is not affected by the number of registered voters. The number of registered voters is the dependent variable because it is affected by age.
• In the case of analyzing the number of students that ride the school bus each day of the week, the day is the independent variable because it is not affected by the number of students that ride the school bus. The number of students that ride the school bus is the dependent variable because it is affected by the day.

Answer:

When analyzing the number of home runs that a baseball player hit over several seasons, the season is the independent variable.