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Math108x Doc trendlinesCSdoc

This document provides instructions for a case study on using trend lines. Students are asked to: 1) Choose a scenario involving two quantitative variables that can be plotted on a scatterplot. 2) Identify an input and output variable for the scenario and list key assumptions. 3) Gather data, plot a scatterplot with a trend line, and state the best-fitting trend line model. 4) Make a decision about the scenario supported by the trend line and predict future outputs. 5) Share the project and incorporate feedback to improve their work.

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Jackson Lumbasio
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186 views4 pages

Math108x Doc trendlinesCSdoc

This document provides instructions for a case study on using trend lines. Students are asked to: 1) Choose a scenario involving two quantitative variables that can be plotted on a scatterplot. 2) Identify an input and output variable for the scenario and list key assumptions. 3) Gather data, plot a scatterplot with a trend line, and state the best-fitting trend line model. 4) Make a decision about the scenario supported by the trend line and predict future outputs. 5) Share the project and incorporate feedback to improve their work.

Uploaded by

Jackson Lumbasio
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Trend Lines Case Study

To complete this Case Study, you will need to have this document AND the Trend Line Study
Excel Document open.
Project Goal: To learn how trend lines can be used as a powerful tool in the Quantitative
Reasoning Process.

1. Understand the Problem


To start, choose a situation that can be analyzed using a scatterplot and trend line. The scenario
should involve numerical (quantitative data) that allows the relationship between an input
variable and an output variable to be displayed on a scatterplot with a trend line. You can refer
to the examples below for inspiration, but it's recommended that you select a scenario that is
relevant to your experiences. Try to be creative when choosing your scenario, and make sure
it's something that will allow you to make an informed decision based on the data you collect
and analyze.
Below are scenario ideas:
 Personal Health: Compare the number of steps you take each day and the hours you
sleep at night.
 Buying a Laptop: Compare the processor speed and the cost of a laptop.
 COVID-19: Compare the average age of people in a city or country and COVID rates.
 Running: Compare the age of a runner to their speed.
 Education: Compare the number of hours spent studying and the grades received in a
course.
 Economics: Compare the unemployment rate and inflation rate in a country.
 Mental Health: Compare the level of stress and the number of hours of sleep a person
gets.
 Grocery Shopping: Compare the cost and nutritional value of different brands of food
items.
 Higher Education: Compare the cost and potential earnings of different degree
programs or vocational training.
Here are a few places to check online if you need free data:
 Google Public Data
 The World Factbook
 OpenCorporates
 Kaggle Datasets
 FiveThirtyEight

Question Answer
Describe the background and purpose of
your scenario.

2. Identifying Variables and Assumptions


List the important factors and conditions that you will consider when making your decision. You
will need to identify two main variables:
 An input variable that affects the outcome
 An output variable
Additionally, you should mention two or more key assumptions. Assumptions refer to the
known conditions of the comparison, and they are not predictions or hypotheses. They are like
the "controls" in a scientific experiment.

Question Answer

List your input and output variables. Input variable:


Hint: A variable is an element of a situation Output variable:
that has the potential to vary or change in
value.

List two or more key assumptions for this 1.


problem. 2.
Hint: Assumptions are ideas or concepts that 3.
are accepted as true. Assumptions are like
removing the "what ifs" in a scenario.

3. Apply Quantitative Tools


Gather data and report on your findings by following these steps:
1. Gather at least 15 numerical data points. Either collect the data on your own or find the
data online from a reliable source. Put the data on the Excel spreadsheet. (Green and
yellow boxes)
2. Explain how you collected the data.

Question Answer

What is the source(s) of your data?

How did you collect your data?


3. Create a scatterplot on the Excel spreadsheet. (Pink box)
a. Include a main title and axis titles.
b. Add an appropriate trend line to the graph to help you make your informed
decision.
4. State which trend line best fits your data and record the equation for the trend line you
selected.

Question Answer

Was your trend line of best fit linear,


exponential, or quadratic?

Record the equation for the trend line Equation:


you selected.

4. Make an Informed Decision


Use the scatterplot and trend line from Step 3 to make your decision. Write about your decision
and include a prediction using the trend line equation. Make sure your decision is supported by
your data and trend line.
In Excel use your trend line equation to calculate your prediction. (Blue boxes)
 Your input value (x): Put your input value in the blue box in Excel.
 Use your equation to calculate your prediction here.: Plug your own input value (x) into
your trendline equation to make a relevant prediction.

Question Answer

Write a short paragraph (4-5 sentences) that


explains your decision. Support your decision
using your data and trend line prediction.

5. Evaluate Your Reasoning


Share your project and data with at least two other people, such as group members on the
discussion board, an online tutor, instructor, family member, or friend. Ask for feedback from
them and use it to improve your project. After incorporating the feedback, answer the
questions below about the feedback you received and explain any changes you made to your
project because of their evaluation. This completes the Quantitative Reasoning Process.

Question Answer
Who did you share your project with? Name 1:
Name 2:
How you know these people:

What feedback did you receive?

What changes did you make because of the


feedback you received?

Turning in Your Assignment


1. Make sure all the answer boxes are filled in on this document.
2. Make sure all the colored boxes in the Excel spreadsheet are completed.
3. Review the rubric before you turn in this assignment to make sure you will get the best
grade possible for your work.
4. Turn in both this document and the Excel spreadsheet.

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