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Statistics

12.8 Regression (Fuel Efficiency) (Optional)

Statistics12.8 Regression (Fuel Efficiency) (Optional)

Stats Lab

Regression (Fuel Efficiency)

Student Learning Outcomes
  • The student will calculate and construct the line of best fit between two variables.
  • The student will evaluate the relationship between two variables to determine whether that relationship is significant.

Collect the DataFind a reputable source that provides information on total fuel efficiency (in miles per gallon) and weight (in pounds) of new cars with an automatic transmission. You will use these data to determine the relationship, if any, between the fuel efficiency of a car and its weight.

  1. Using your random-number generator, select 20 cars randomly from the list and record their weight and fuel efficiency into Table 12.12.
    Weight Fuel Efficiency
    Table 12.12
  2. Which variable is the dependent variable and which is the independent variable? Why?
  3. By hand, draw a scatter plot of weight vs. fuel efficiency. Plot the points on graph paper. Label both axes with words. Scale both axes accurately.
    Blank graph with vertical and horizontal axes.
    Figure 12.22

Analyze the Data Enter your data into a calculator or computer. Write the linear equation, rounding to four decimal places.

  1. Calculate the following:
    1. a = ______
    2. b = ______
    3. correlation = ______
    4. n = ______
    5. equation: ŷ = ______
  2. Obtain a graph of the regression line on a calculator. Sketch the regression line on the same axes as your scatter plot.
Discussion Questions
  1. Is the correlation significant? Explain how you determined this in complete sentences.
  2. Is the relationship a positive one or a negative one? Explain how you can tell and what this means in terms of weight and fuel efficiency.
  3. In one or two complete sentences, what is the practical interpretation of the slope of the least-squares line in terms of fuel efficiency and weight?
  4. For a car that weighs 4,000 pounds, predict its fuel efficiency. Include units.
  5. Can we predict the fuel efficiency of a car that weighs 10,000 pounds using the least-squares line? Explain why or why not.
  6. Answer each question in complete sentences.
    1. Does the line seem to fit the data? Why or why not?
    2. What does the correlation imply about the relationship between fuel efficiency and weight of a car? Is this what you expected?
  7. Are there any outliers? If so, which point is an outlier?
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