GCSE Maths: Scatter Graphs
Practise GCSE Maths scatter graphs — plotting, correlation, lines of best fit and interpolation/extrapolation. AQA, Edexcel, OCR and Eduqas.
StatisticsFoundation & HigherAQA · Edexcel · OCR · Eduqas
What you need to know
The concepts examiners test on scatter graphs, and what each one is really asking.
Plotting scatter graphs
Types of correlation (positive, negative, none)
Lines of best fit
Using lines of best fit to make predictions
Interpolation and extrapolation
Where marks get lost
The exam technique that separates a correct method from a correct answer.
- Line of best fit passes through the mean point (mean x, mean y)
- Extrapolation is unreliable — only interpolate
- Correlation does not imply causation
Scatter Graphs questions students ask
What is the difference between correlation and causation?
Correlation means two variables tend to change together. Causation means one variable directly causes the other. Correlation does not prove causation.
What is interpolation and extrapolation?
Interpolation: using the line of best fit to predict values within the data range. Extrapolation: predicting beyond the data range — less reliable.