Lesson: Scatter Plots and Lines of Best Fit Mathematics • 8th Grade

In this lesson, we will learn how to draw lines of best fit for a scatter plot and how to use them to interpret and make predictions about the data.

Lesson Plan

Students will be able to

understand how a line of best fit can be used to estimate the relationship between variables,
draw or identify the most appropriate line of best fit for a scatter plot,
identify when data is not correlated enough to have a line of best fit,
identify from a graph whether the values of and in the equation of the line of best fit are positive or negative,
estimate the value of data at a point, using a drawn line of best fit.

Lesson Video

Lesson Playlist

02:06
04:17
01:23

Lesson Worksheet

Q1:

The following scatter diagram shows the test results of two exams for a class of 26 students. If Charlotte got 84 on exam 1, which of the following would you expect to be her score for exam 2?

Q2:

A linear regression model of the form has been fitted to the data shown. Which of the following statements are true about the values of and in the fitted regression model?

Q3:

The following scatterplot shows the heights and weights of 24 students in a class. Use the scatter graph to determine which of the following would be the best estimate for the weight of a person who has a height of 150 cm.