Question

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a. increase the slope by 0.75
b. decrease the slope by 0.25
c. increase the y - intercept by 12.5
d. decrease the y - intercept by 12.5

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze the y - intercept

The current y - intercept of the line is 25. If we want the line to fit the data points better (since most of the data points are above the current line near the y - axis), we need to adjust the y - intercept.

Step2: Calculate the new y - intercept

If we increase the y - intercept by 12.5, the new y - intercept is \(25 + 12.5=37.5\). This would make the line closer to the data points near the y - axis. Changing the slope (options A and B) would affect the steepness of the line in a way that is not indicated by the data distribution (the data points do not suggest a steeper or less steep slope change as much as a vertical shift). Decreasing the y - intercept (option D) would move the line further away from the data points near the y - axis.

Answer:

C. Increase the \(y\) - intercept by \(12.5\)