MAT 120 – Chapter 9

Section 9.1 – Correlation

What is the relationship between the following sets of variables?

A. Height and weight

B. Number of beers consumed the night before a test and the grade on the test
C. Attendance at Study Skills sessions and Grades

A correlation is a relationship between two variables. The data can be represented by the
ordered pairs (x, y) where x is the independent (explanatory) variable and y is the dependent
(response) variable.

In this section, we will first graph scatter plots and use it to determine whether a linear
correlation exists between two variables.

What do linear correlations look like?

Example 1: Beers Grade

0 95
In this example ____________ is the independent variable 1 91
2 85
and ________________ is the dependent variable. 3 79
4 70
5 60
6 40

From the graph, we can see that this is an example of a _________________________________.

MAT 120 – Chapter 9

But, how strong is it? We will compute the correlation coefficient r: a measure of the strength
and direction a linear relationship between two variables.

n  xy   x  y
r Where  1  r  1
n  x   x  n  y 2   y 
2 2 2

 If r is close to 1, there is a strong positive correlation

 If r is close to -1, there is a strong negative correlation
 If r is close to 0, there is no linear correlation

TI-83 Calculator help:

 First, make sure the Diagnostic is turned on (you only have to do this ONE time---not for
each problem).
o 2nd CATALOG (0 key)
o Scroll down long list until the arrow points to Diagnostic On
o Press ENTER ENTER

Now, you’re ready to enter the values for the problem:

 STAT - EDIT so your L1 L2 L3 lists appear on your screen.

 Enter the X-Values into L1 and the Y-Values into L2
 Press Stat, scroll over to CALC and choose # 4 (Lin Reg(ax + b)

You will look for r =

You can also use STAT PLOT (2nd Y = ) to draw scatter plots. Be sure to set the WINDOW
values to ranges that will display all of your data points.

In this example, r = _________, so that means _____________________________________.

 A strong correlation occurs when r > .80 or r < -.80

 A moderate correlation occurs when .40 ≤ r ≤ .80 or -.80 ≤ r ≤ -.40
 A weak correlation or no correlation occurs when -.40 ≤ r ≤ .40

Example 2: #23 page 482

In this example ____________ is the independent variable and ________________ is the

dependent variable.

From the graph, we see it’s a ____________________________________, but is it strong or

weak?
r = _______, which means there is a ______________________________________________.
MAT 120 – Chapter 9

Section 9.2 – Linear Regression

In section 9.1, we learned how to determine if a linear correlation existed between two variables.

Now, we will find the equation of a line that ‘best models’ the data. That is called the
regression line, AKA the line of best fit.

After we determine the equation of the regression line, we’ll use it to predict the value of y for a
given value of x that is in the range of the data. Our regression line should not be used to
predict y-values that are well outside the range of the data.

The equation of the regression line is: yˆ  mx  b

Example 1: #18 page 491

Find the equation of the regression line. Then, construct a scatter plot and draw the regression
line. Then use the regression equation to predict the value of y for each given x-value, if
meaningful.

r = _______________ which means _______________________________________________.

Regression line: _____________________________

Now, let’s use the equation of the regression line to predict values:

(a) x = 1450 square feet

(b) x = 2720 square feet

(c) x = 2175 square feet

(d) x = 1890 square feet

MAT 120 – Chapter 9

Example 2: #26 page 493

Find the equation of the regression line. Then, construct a Scatter plot and draw the regression
line. Then use the regression equation to predict the value of y for each given x-value, if
meaningful.

First, construct a scatter plot.

r = __________________ which means_____________________________________________.

On the same screen where you find r, you’ll see:

y = ax + b
A = something
B = something

This is your regression line—just plug in the values of a & b.

So, our equation of the regression line is: ____________________________.

Now, let’s use the equation of the regression line to predict values:

(a) x = 0.3 year

(b) x = 3.9 years

(c) x = 0.6 year

(d) x = 0.8 year