Question

the table lists weights (pounds) and highway mileage amounts (mpg) for seven automobiles. use the sample data to construct a scatterplot. use the first variable for the x - axis. based on the scatterplot, what do you conclude about a linear correlation?
weight (lb) 3180 3515 3940 4395 4415 2275 3600
highway (mpg) 31 28 26 23 21 38 27
is there a linear relationship between weight and highway mileage?
a. no, there appears to be no relationship.
b. no, there appears to be a relationship, but it is not linear.
c. yes, as the weight increases the highway mileage decreases.
d. yes, as the weight increases the highway mileage increases.

Explanation:

To determine the linear relationship, we analyze the scatterplot (and the data). As weight (x - axis) increases, highway mileage (y - axis) generally decreases. For example, the lightest car (2275 lb) has high mileage (38 mpg), and heavier cars (like 4395, 4415 lb) have lower mileage (23, 21 mpg). This shows a negative linear trend. So option C is correct as it states that as weight increases, highway mileage decreases.

Answer:

C. Yes, as the weight increases the highway mileage decreases.