Scatterplots — SAT Math Explained
A graph displaying the relationship between two quantitative variables by plotting data points as coordinates (x, y) on a coordinate plane, one variable on each axis.
The Core Idea
Scatterplots reveal patterns and relationships between two variables. They let you see whether variables move together (correlation), how strong that relationship is, and the general form (linear, curved, none).
Key Vocabulary
The variable on the horizontal axis — the potential cause
The variable on the vertical axis — the potential effect
A single observation represented as (x, y)
A group of data points close together
A point that doesn't follow the overall pattern
Describing Scatterplots
Positive (both increase together) or negative (as one increases, the other decreases)
Linear (points follow a line), curved, or no pattern
Strong (points tightly clustered), moderate, or weak (points widely scattered)
Any points that deviate dramatically from the overall pattern
Real World Examples
Height vs. weight: positive, linear, moderate-strong
Hours studied vs. test score: positive, roughly linear
Temperature vs. heating bill: negative (as temp goes up, heating cost goes down)
Shoe size vs. IQ: no relationship — scattered randomly
Common Errors to Avoid
Assuming correlation implies causation — a relationship in the data doesn't prove one thing causes the other
Describing direction without form, or vice versa
Not identifying outliers when they exist
Practice: Scatterplots
5 SAT-style questions. Select your answer and get an instant explanation.
In a scatterplot, the horizontal axis usually represents:
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