Question

which statement best describes whether the line shown on the the best fit to the data?
the line is not the best fit because approximately half the data points lie on either side of the line (select) the line passes close to the first three points approximately half the data points lie on either side of the line the line does not go through all the points of the data set it does not go through any of the data points

Explanation:

Step1: Understand the concept of best - fit line

A best - fit line (or trend line) in a scatter plot should balance the data points. It doesn't need to pass through all points or any specific number of initial points. The key is that the data points are evenly distributed around the line.

Step2: Analyze the given options

• If the line passes close to the first three points, it doesn't ensure it's the best fit as the other points may not be well - represented.
• A best - fit line doesn't need to go through all data points (in most real - world data sets, it's rare for a straight line to pass through all points of a scatter plot).
• A best - fit line also doesn't need to pass through any of the data points.
• The correct criterion is that approximately half the data points lie on either side of the line. This shows a good balance and that the line represents the general trend of the data.

Answer:

The line is not the best fit because approximately half the data points lie on either side of the line.