Chapter 2.4, Problem 54SSC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The dependent variable needs to be explained if a linear graph has a negative slope.

Concept introduction:

The difference and trend in the data can be easily visualized via plotting graphs. This can be said that a visual display of data is its graph. There are three types of graphs:

• The parts of a fixed whole can be represented by a circle graph. The different parts are represented as percents where the entire circle represents $100\%$ .
• The variation of a quantity across different categories can be represented by a bar graph.
• In the line graph, the intersection of data for two variables is represented by the different points.

Answer to Problem 54SSC

If the slope is negative, which means the x-axis value increases and the y-axis value decreases. In other words, the dependent value decreases as the independent value increases.

Explanation of Solution

A graph is a visual display of the data. Slope of a line can be determined by dividing the difference of the two points on the y-axis by the difference of the two points on the x-axis. The points chosen must come from the line on the graph.

$\text{Slope}=\frac{y_2-y_1}{x_2-x_1}$

If the slope is negative, which means the x-axis value increases and the y-axis value decreases. In other words, the dependent value decreases as the independent value increases.

Conclusion

If the slope is negative, which means the x-axis value increases and the y-axis value decreases. In other words, the dependent value decreases as the independent value increases.