Question

for a school project, peyton uses technology to calculate the equation for line of best fit. if peyton’s calculation is correct, which equation could represent the line of best fit for this data?
a. $y = 0.625x + 5.25$
b. $y = 2.375x$
c. $y = -2.375x + 5.25$
d. $y = 0.625x$
(chart: x-axis labeled consecutive hours of rainfall, y-axis labeled number. data points and a blue line are present.)

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze the slope sign

The line of best fit in the graph is decreasing, so the slope should be negative. Let's check the options:

• Option A: Slope \(0.625\) (positive) → Eliminate.
• Option B: Slope \(2.375\) (positive) → Eliminate.
• Option C: Slope \(-2.375\) (negative) → Candidate.
• Option D: Slope \(0.625\) (positive) → Eliminate.

Step2: Confirm the equation

Since the slope is negative, only option C (\(y = -2.375x + 5.25\)) has a negative slope, matching the decreasing trend of the line in the graph.

Answer:

C. \( y = -2.375x + 5.25 \)