9.4

Correlation and scatter diagrams

9 flashcards to master Correlation and scatter diagrams

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Definition Flip

What is a scatter diagram, and what is it used for?

Answer Flip

A scatter diagram (or scatter graph) is a visual representation of the relationship between two variables. It's used to determine if there is a correlation between them.

Definition Flip

Describe 'positive correlation' as it relates to a scatter diagram. Give an example.

Answer Flip

Positive correlation means that as one variable increases, the other also tends to increase.

Example: Generally, as study time increases, exam scores increase.
Definition Flip

Describe 'negative correlation' as it relates to a scatter diagram. Give an example.

Answer Flip

Negative correlation means that as one variable increases, the other tends to decrease.

Example: Generally, as the temperature increases, the sales of winter coats decrease.
Definition Flip

What does it mean if a scatter diagram shows 'no correlation'?

Answer Flip

If there's no correlation, there's no apparent relationship between the two variables. The points on the scatter diagram appear randomly scattered.

Definition Flip

What is a 'line of best fit' on a scatter diagram, and what is its purpose?

Answer Flip

The line of best fit is a straight line drawn through a scatter diagram that best represents the trend of the data. It's used to estimate values of one variable based on the other.

Definition Flip

Explain 'interpolation' in the context of a line of best fit on a scatter diagram.

Answer Flip

Interpolation is using the line of best fit to estimate a value *within* the range of the original data. It is generally considered a reliable estimate.

Definition Flip

Explain 'extrapolation' in the context of a line of best fit on a scatter diagram.

Answer Flip

Extrapolation is using the line of best fit to estimate a value *outside* the range of the original data. This is less reliable than interpolation.

Key Concept Flip

The number of ice creams sold at the beach and the temperature on the day show positive correlation. True or False? Explain.

Answer Flip

True. Warmer temperatures typically lead to higher ice cream sales, indicating a positive relationship between the two variables.

Key Concept Flip

Sketch a scatter diagram showing strong negative correlation.

Answer Flip

The scatter diagram should show points generally clustering around a line that slopes downwards from left to right. The tighter the points are to the line, the stronger the correlation.

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9.3 Cumulative frequency and box plots 9.5 Histograms

Key Questions: Correlation and scatter diagrams

What is a scatter diagram, and what is it used for?

A scatter diagram (or scatter graph) is a visual representation of the relationship between two variables. It's used to determine if there is a correlation between them.

Describe 'positive correlation' as it relates to a scatter diagram. Give an example.

Positive correlation means that as one variable increases, the other also tends to increase.

Example: Generally, as study time increases, exam scores increase.
Describe 'negative correlation' as it relates to a scatter diagram. Give an example.

Negative correlation means that as one variable increases, the other tends to decrease.

Example: Generally, as the temperature increases, the sales of winter coats decrease.
What does it mean if a scatter diagram shows 'no correlation'?

If there's no correlation, there's no apparent relationship between the two variables. The points on the scatter diagram appear randomly scattered.

What is a 'line of best fit' on a scatter diagram, and what is its purpose?

The line of best fit is a straight line drawn through a scatter diagram that best represents the trend of the data. It's used to estimate values of one variable based on the other.

About Correlation and scatter diagrams (9.4)

These 9 flashcards cover everything you need to know about Correlation and scatter diagrams for your Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics (0580) exam. Each card is designed based on the official syllabus requirements.

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