AP Statistics 5.4 C Describe the Form of Association of Bivariate Data Using Residual Plots Questions

Use a residual plot to assess a linear regression model, checking random scatter, curvature, changing spread, and omitted-variable patterns.

Syllabus
Effective Fall 2026
Course
AP Statistics

Exam points

  • treat random residual scatter around zero as support for an appropriate linear functional form
  • use curvature or another systematic residual pattern as evidence that a linear model is inappropriate
  • identify a fan-shaped or changing residual spread as a violation of constant response variability
  • use association between residuals and another variable as evidence that the variable may improve prediction

AP Statistics 5.4 C Describe the Form of Association of Bivariate Data Using Residual Plots Questions question 1

[Maximum number: 4]

Jamal is researching the characteristics of a car that might be useful in predicting the fuel consumption rate (FCR); that is, the number of gallons of gasoline that the car requires to travel 100 miles under conditions of typical city driving. The length of a car is one explanatory variable that can be used to predict FCR. Graph I is a scatterplot showing the lengths of 66 cars plotted with the corresponding FCR. One point on the graph is labeled A.

GRAPH I

GRAPH I

Jamal examined the scatterplot and determined that a linear model would be a reasonable way to express the relationship between FCR and length. A computer output from a linear regression is shown below.
Linear Fit
FCR=1.595789+0.0372614Length\mathrm{FCR}=-1.595789+0.0372614 * \mathrm{Length}
Summary of Fit

Table for Question AP Statistics 5.4 C Describe the Form of Association of Bivariate Data Using Residual Plots Questions question 1 — AP Statistics

Question (a)

(a)

Write a few sentences to compare the association between the variables in graph II with the association between the variables in graph III.

Question (b)

(b)

Jamal wants to predict FCR using length and one of the other variables, engine size or wheel base. Based on your response to part (c), which variable, engine size or wheel base, should Jamal use in addition to length if he wants to improve the prediction? Explain why you chose that variable.

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