Question

Based on the line of best fit in the scatterplot above, which of the following is the closest to the average annual increase in coyotes in Yellowstone Park between 1995 and 2000 ? A) 22 B) 24 C) 26 D) 28

Short answer

Based on the line of best fit in the scatterplot, the closest to the average annual increase in coyotes in Yellowstone Park between 1995 and 2000 is found by first identifying the coordinates for these years on the line, calculating the difference in the number of coyotes (D) and the number of years (Y), and then dividing D by Y. Finally, compare the result to the given options (A: 22, B: 24, C: 26, and D: 28) and select the closest option as the correct answer.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Coordinates for 1995 and 2000

To find the increase between 1995 and 2000 based on the line of best fit, let's first find the coordinates on the line of best fit for each year. (You can usually do this by looking at the scatterplot and finding the points where the line crosses the vertical lines representing 1995 and 2000 on the x-axis.) Write down the coordinates as (Year, Number of Coyotes).

Calculate the Difference in the Number of Coyotes

Calculate the difference in the number of coyotes between 1995 and 2000. You can do this by subtracting the y-coordinate (number of coyotes) at 1995 from the y-coordinate at 2000. Let's call this difference D.

Calculate the Number of Years Between 1995 and 2000

Calculate the number of years between 1995 and 2000. This is equal to the difference in the x-coordinates (years) of the points for 1995 and 2000. Let's call this Y.

Calculate the Average Annual Increase

Now, to find the average annual increase, divide the difference in the number of coyotes (D) by the number of years (Y). This will give you the average increase in the number of coyotes per year.

Compare the Result to the Given Options

Compare the result of the average annual increase to the given options (22, 24, 26, and 28). Choose the option that is closest to the calculated average annual increase.

Choose the Correct Answer

Based on the comparison, select the option that is closest to the average annual increase in the number of coyotes in Yellowstone Park between 1995 and 2000. This is your answer.