Question

which scatter plot shows a strong, positive correlation between the variables x and y?
a
c
b
d

Explanation:

Step1: Understand positive correlation

In a positive - correlation scatter plot, as \(x\) increases, \(y\) also increases.

Step2: Analyze each option

• Option A:

As \(x\) increases from \(2\) to \(8\), \(y\) increases from \(3\) to \(7\). The points are closely grouped around an imaginary line with a positive slope, indicating a strong positive correlation.

• Option B:

There is an out - of - pattern point. When \(x = 9\), \(y = 2\) while for \(x = 6\) to \(8\), \(y\) is around \(8 - 10\). This disrupts a strong positive correlation.

• Option C:

As \(x\) increases from \(4\) to \(10\), \(y\) first decreases (from \(15\) to \(2\)) and then increases (from \(2\) to \(9\)). So, it does not show a positive correlation.

• Option D:

There is no clear trend of \(y\) increasing as \(x\) increases. For example, when \(x\) increases from \(2\) to \(10\), \(y\) first decreases (from \(10\) to \(1\)) and then has a non - consistent pattern.

Answer:

A.