Question

elena collects data to investigate the relationship between the number of bananas she buys at the store, x, and the total cost of the bananas, y. which value for the correlation coefficient is most likely to match a line of best fit of the form y = mx + b for this situation? a -0.9 b -0.4 c 0.4 d 0.9

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze the relationship type

As the number of bananas \(x\) increases, the total cost \(y\) also increases. So, there is a positive linear relationship. Positive correlation has \(r>0\). Options A (\(- 0.9\)) and B (\(-0.4\)) are negative, so they can be eliminated.

Step2: Consider the strength of the relationship

The cost of bananas is directly proportional (in a practical, near - perfect linear sense for a single - type purchase) to the number of bananas. A correlation coefficient of \(r = 0.9\) indicates a strong positive linear relationship, while \(r=0.4\) indicates a weak positive linear relationship.

Answer:

D. \(0.9\)