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CIE IGCSE Mathematics (0580) Scatter diagrams Study Notes

CIE IGCSE Mathematics (0580) Scatter diagrams Study Notes - New Syllabus

CIE IGCSE Mathematics (0580) Types of number Study Notes

LEARNING OBJECTIVE

  • Scatter Diagrams

Key Concepts: 

  • Scatter Diagrams

CIE iGCSE Maths (0580)  Study Notes – All topics

Scatter Diagrams

Scatter Diagrams

A scatter diagram (or scatter graph) is used to show the relationship between two variables by plotting paired values as points on a graph.

Key Points:

  • Each point is plotted using an ordered pair (x, y).
  • Points should be marked clearly using small crosses (×).
  • Always label the axes and choose appropriate scales.
  • The pattern of points helps us identify the type of correlation between the variables.

Example:

The table below shows the number of hours studied and the marks scored by 8 students: Draw the Scatter Diagrams

Hours Studied (x)Marks (%) (y)
145
255
360
470
575
685
788
890
▶️ Answer/Explanation

Plot each point on a graph with:

  • x-axis: Hours studied
  • y-axis: Marks (%)

Mark each point clearly with a small ×.

 Understanding Types of Correlation

 Understanding Types of Correlation

In a scatter diagram, the pattern of points helps us determine the type of correlation between two variables.

Types of correlation:

  • Positive correlation: As one variable increases, the other also increases.
  • Negative correlation: As one variable increases, the other decreases.
  • No correlation: There is no obvious relationship between the two variables.

These can be observed visually from the trend of the points on a scatter graph.

Example:

The following data shows the number of hours spent revising and the marks scored in a test. What type of correlation it showing.

Hours RevisedTest Score (%)
145
250
358
464
572
▶️ Answer/Explanation

When plotted, the points rise from left to right, showing that higher revision hours result in higher scores.

 

Conclusion: This shows positive correlation.

Example:

The table shows the daily temperature and the number of hot drinks sold at a café.What type of correlation it showing.

Temperature (°C)Hot Drinks Sold
10100
1290
1480
1665
1850
▶️ Answer/Explanation

The plotted points fall from left to right, indicating that as temperature increases, fewer drinks are sold.

Conclusion: This shows negative correlation.

 Drawing and Using a Line of Best Fit

 Drawing and Using a Line of Best Fit

A line of best fit is a straight line drawn on a scatter diagram to show the general trend of the data. It helps to make predictions based on the relationship between two variables.

Rules for drawing the line of best fit:

  • It is drawn by eye (inspection), not by calculation.
  • It should be a single straight, ruled line.
  • It should pass through the “middle” of the data so that the points are fairly evenly spread above and below the line.
  • The line should extend across the whole range of the data.

Example: 

The table below shows the number of hours 8 students studied and the marks they scored in a test.

Hours Studied12345678
Test Marks (%)4045556065707578

Draw a scatter diagram. Use a line of best fit to estimate the mark of a student who studied for 5.5 hours.

▶️ Answer/Explanation

Step 1: Plot the 8 points on a graph (x-axis: hours studied, y-axis: marks).

Step 2: Draw a straight line that evenly splits the points above and below.

Step 3: Find 5.5 on the x-axis. Move vertically to the line, then horizontally to read the estimated mark.

Answer: The estimated mark is approximately \( \boxed{66.5\%} \).

Example

A shop collects data on the age (in years) and resale price (in ₹) of 6 used smartphones:

Age (years)123456
Price (₹)480004200037000310002600020000

Draw a scatter diagram and add a line of best fit. Estimate the value of a phone that is 2.5 years old.

▶️ Answer/Explanation

Step 1: Plot age on the x-axis and price on the y-axis.

Step 2: Draw a line that best represents the downward (negative) trend.

Step 3: Find 2.5 on the x-axis → go up to the line → then across to read the value.

Answer: The estimated value is around \( \boxed{39543\text{ rupees}} \).

This shows a strong negative correlation: as age increases, resale price decreases.

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