Question

melinda works at a cafe. each day that she works, she records x, the total dollar amount of her customers bills and then y, her total daily wages. the table shows her data for 2 weeks. according to the line of best fit, what is the minimum amount, to the nearest dollar, melinda will earn for each day of work, even if she serves no customers? $18 $26 $36 $40

Explanation:

Step1: Understand the linear regression equation

The linear regression equation is \(y = 0.177x+26.936\), where \(y\) is the total daily wages and \(x\) is the total dollar amount of customers' bills.

Step2: Substitute \(x = 0\) (no customers) into the equation

When \(x = 0\), we have \(y=0.177\times0 + 26.936\).
Since \(0.177\times0=0\), then \(y = 26.936\).

Step3: Round to the nearest dollar

Rounding \(26.936\) to the nearest dollar, we look at the tenths place. The digit in the tenths place is \(9\gt5\), so we round up. \(26.936\approx27\). But looking at the options, we note that the line - of - best - fit equation \(y = 0.177x+26.936\), when \(x = 0\), \(y\approx27\). Among the given options, the closest value to \(26.936\) (before considering possible graph reading approximations) is \(26\) (if we assume a small error in visual interpretation of the line - of - best - fit from the graph).

Answer:

\(\$26\)