Use a different type of plot

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 38 views

Understanding Scatterplots: A Case Study of the Tornado Roller Coaster

Scatterplots are a powerful tool in mathematics, used to visualize the relationship between two variables. In this article, we will explore how to create a scatterplot that accurately reflects the heights and ages of the first 10 people to line up for the Tornado roller coaster at an amusement park. We will examine the given data and determine which scatterplot best represents the relationship between height and age.

The heights and ages of the first 10 people to line up for the ride are shown in the table below:

Height (inches)	Age (years)
48	6
50	7
52	8
54	9
56	10
58	11
60	12
62	13
64	14
66	15

A scatterplot is a graphical representation of the relationship between two variables. In this case, we want to create a scatterplot that shows the relationship between height and age. To do this, we will plot the height (in inches) on the x-axis and the age (in years) on the y-axis.

There are several types of scatterplots that we can create, including:

Positive correlation: A scatterplot that shows a positive correlation between the two variables, where as one variable increases, the other variable also increases.
Negative correlation: A scatterplot that shows a negative correlation between the two variables, where as one variable increases, the other variable decreases.
No correlation: A scatterplot that shows no correlation between the two variables, where the values of one variable do not affect the values of the other variable.

Let's analyze the data to determine which type of scatterplot is most accurate. We can see that as the height increases, the age also increases. This suggests a positive correlation between the two variables.

Based on the analysis, we can create a scatterplot that shows a positive correlation between height and age. The scatterplot will have the height (in inches) on the x-axis and the age (in years) on the y-axis.

In conclusion, the scatterplot that accurately reflects the heights and ages of the first 10 people to line up for the Tornado roller coaster is a scatterplot that shows a positive correlation between the two variables. This scatterplot will have the height (in inches) on the x-axis and the age (in years) on the y-axis.

Here is an example of how to create a scatterplot using Python and the matplotlib library:

import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
heights = [48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66]
ages = [6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15]
plt.scatter(heights, ages)
plt.title('Height vs Age')
plt.xlabel('Height (inches)')
plt.ylabel('Age (years)')
plt.show()

This code will create a scatterplot that shows a positive correlation between height and age.

Here are some tips and variations for creating scatterplots:

Use different colors: Use different colors to represent different groups or categories in the data.
Add a trend line: Add a trend line to the scatterplot to show the overall trend in the data.
Use a different type of plot: Use a different type of plot, such as a bar chart or a histogram, to show the relationship between the two variables.
Analyze the data: Analyze the data to determine the type of correlation between the two variables.

By following these tips and variations, you can create a scatterplot that accurately reflects the relationship between two variables and provides valuable insights into the data.
Scatterplot Q&A: Understanding the Relationship Between Height and Age

In our previous article, we explored how to create a scatterplot that accurately reflects the heights and ages of the first 10 people to line up for the Tornado roller coaster at an amusement park. We analyzed the data and determined that the scatterplot shows a positive correlation between height and age. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about scatterplots and provide additional insights into the relationship between height and age.

A scatterplot is a graphical representation of the relationship between two variables. It is a type of plot that shows the relationship between two variables by plotting the values of one variable against the values of the other variable.

A positive correlation is a relationship between two variables where as one variable increases, the other variable also increases. In the case of the scatterplot, as the height increases, the age also increases, indicating a positive correlation between the two variables.

A negative correlation is a relationship between two variables where as one variable increases, the other variable decreases. In other words, as one variable increases, the other variable decreases.

To create a scatterplot, you can use a variety of tools and software, including Python, R, and Excel. Here is an example of how to create a scatterplot using Python and the matplotlib library:

import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
heights = [48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66]
ages = [6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15]
plt.scatter(heights, ages)
plt.title('Height vs Age')
plt.xlabel('Height (inches)')
plt.ylabel('Age (years)')
plt.show()

To interpret a scatterplot, you need to look at the relationship between the two variables. If the points on the scatterplot are close to a straight line, it indicates a strong positive or negative correlation between the two variables. If the points are scattered randomly, it indicates no correlation between the two variables.

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when creating a scatterplot:

Not checking for outliers: Make sure to check for outliers in the data before creating a scatterplot.
Not using a suitable scale: Make sure to use a suitable scale for the x and y axes.
Not labeling the axes: Make sure to label the x and y axes clearly.
Not adding a title: Make sure to add a title to the scatterplot.

Scatterplots can be used in a variety of real-world applications, including:

Analyzing the relationship between two variables: Scatterplots can be used to analyze the relationship between two variables and identify patterns or trends.
Identifying correlations: Scatterplots can be used to identify correlations between two variables and determine the strength of the correlation.
Visualizing data: Scatterplots can be used to visualize data and make it easier to understand.

In conclusion, scatterplots are a powerful tool for analyzing the relationship between two variables. By understanding how to create and interpret a scatterplot, you can gain valuable insights into the data and make informed decisions. Remember to check for outliers, use a suitable scale, label the axes, and add a title to your scatterplot.