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Algebra 1

Distinguish Patterns: Mini-Lesson Review

Algebra 1Distinguish Patterns: Mini-Lesson Review

Distinguish Patterns: Mini-Lesson Review

Distinguish Patterns: Mini-Lesson Review

Mini Lesson Question

Question #1: Distinguish Patterns

Which statement best describes the scatter plot? 


  1. There is an increasing linear pattern.
  2. There is a decreasing linear pattern.
  3. There is no pattern.
  4. There is a nonlinear pattern.

Distinguish Linear Patterns from Nonlinear Patterns 

A scatter plot is a graph of numerical data with two variables. If two variables vary together in a predictable way, we say there is a statistical relationship between the two variables.

  • When the points of the scatter plot seem to fall along a line, the scatter plot is linear.
  • Nonlinear patterns seem to follow a curve.
  • If the scatter plot shows no pattern, it means there is no relationship between the variables.

Try it

Distinguish Linear Patterns from Nonlinear Patterns

At a dinner party, every person shakes hands with every other person present. The scatter plot shows the number of people, x, and the number of handshakes, y.

Is the relationship linear or nonlinear? Be prepared to show your reasoning.

Check Your Understanding

Which statement best describes the scatter plot?

  1. There is an increasing linear pattern.

  2. There is no pattern.

  3. There is a decreasing linear pattern.

  4. There is a nonlinear pattern.

Video: Distinguishing Linear Patterns

Scatter Plots Example

Watch the video to see scatter plots that show the relationship between study time, shoe size, and test score.

Studying, shoe size, and test scores scatter plots | Probability and Statistics | Khan Academy

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