Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators: Mathematics (5733)Statistics and ProbabilityEasy

A student collected data on the number of hours they spent studying for an exam and their corresponding score. The data is as follows: (2 hours, 70 score), (3 hours, 75 score), (4 hours, 80 score), (5 hours, 85 score). If the student studies for 6 hours, based on this linear trend, what would be the predicted score?

  1. A88
  2. B92
  3. C95
  4. D90
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D. 90

The data shows a consistent increase of 5 points for every additional hour of studying. Following this linear trend, if studying for 6 hours, the score would increase by 5 points from the 5-hour study score.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. This option does not follow the consistent linear increase observed in the data.
  • B. This option suggests a larger increase than observed in the linear trend.
  • C. This option suggests an even larger increase, deviating significantly from the observed pattern.

Linear Trend

A linear trend describes a pattern in data where the relationship between two variables can be approximated by a straight line, showing a consistent rate of change.

  • Represents a constant rate of increase or decrease.
  • Can be used for prediction within the observed range or slightly beyond.
  • Often visualized with a scatter plot and a line of best fit.

Memory trick: Line up your points, then project your future score!

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