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AP Statistics 5.4 B Interpret the Differences Between the Observed and Predicted Values Questions

Interpret a residual’s sign and size by deciding whether the regression model underpredicts or overpredicts the observed response in context.

Syllabus
Effective Fall 2026
Course
AP Statistics

Exam points

  • interpret positive residuals as underprediction, negative residuals as overprediction, and zero as exact fit
  • compare absolute residuals to decide which model predicts a particular observation more accurately
  • interpret the regression standard deviation as the typical observed-minus-predicted response distance

AP Statistics 5.4 B Interpret the Differences Between the Observed and Predicted Values Questions question 1

A biologist gathered data on the length, in millimeters (mm), and the mass, in grams (g), for 11 bullfrogs. The data are shown in Plot 1.

Figure for Question AP Statistics 5.4 B Interpret the Differences Between the Observed and Predicted Values Questions question 1 — AP Statistics

From the data, the biologist calculated the least-squares regression line for predicting mass from length. The least-squares regression line is shown in Plot 2.

Official question visual

Official question visual

From Plot 2, consider the residuals of the 11 bullfrogs.

Does the least-squares regression line overestimate or underestimate the mass of the bullfrog identified in part (d-i)? Explain your answer.

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