Question

which graph shows data whose r - value is most likely closest to 0?

Explanation:

The correlation coefficient \( r \) measures the strength and direction of a linear relationship between two variables. When \( r = 0 \), there is no linear relationship. A scatter - plot with points that are randomly scattered (not forming an upward or downward trend) will have an \( r \) - value close to \( 0 \).

• The first graph shows a negative trend (points going down from left to right), so \( r<0 \).
• The second graph shows a positive trend (points going up from left to right), so \( r > 0 \).
• The third graph has points that are more randomly scattered compared to the first two, indicating a weaker linear relationship.

Answer:

The third graph.