- Recognize when a linear regression model will fit a given data set.
- Use technology to create scatterplots, find the line of best fit, and find the correlation coefficient.
- Find the estimated slope and [latex]y[/latex]-intercept for a linear regression model.
- Use the line of best fit to predict values.
Midterm vs. Final Exam Score

George, a current student, got a [latex]36[/latex] out of [latex]50[/latex] on the first midterm (C-). He asked his instructor, “If I don’t change my study approach, how do you predict I will do on the final exam?”
One way to answer this question is to look at the bivariate data of student scores from a previous class. In this case, we choose a random sample of past students who did not seek out additional tutoring and/or support between the midterm and the final.
The following is a data set from a random sample of past students who did not seek out advice on study skills or additional tutoring between the midterm and the final exam. To protect their anonymity, only first names are shown.
| Student First Name |
Midterm Score (out of [latex]50[/latex] points) |
Final Exam Score (out of [latex]100[/latex] points) |
| Joe | 42 | 64 |
| Barak | 52 | 94 |
| Hillary | 44 | 87 |
| Donald | 25 | 46 |
| Cher | 41 | 73 |
| Katy | 39 | 73 |
| Taylor | 33 | 53 |
| Miley | 40 | 77 |
| Justin | 35 | 60 |
| Snoop | 31 | 62 |
| Bruno | 37 | 71 |
| Kanye | 49 | 95 |
| Leonardo | 38 | 70 |
| Rosie | 45 | 80 |
| Maya | 49 | 80 |
| Tyra | 48 | 82 |
| Selena | 50 | 81 |
Step 1: Under Enter Data, select Enter Own.
Step 2: Name the X (explanatory) and Y (response) variables appropriately.
Step 3: Copy and paste the data set.
Step 4: Under Plot Options, select Regression Line, and click the Submit Data button.