WGU Applied Algebra Exam - Topic 5 Question 3 Discussion

The scatterplot shows data collected over time, and a regression curve is used to model the pattern.

Extrapolation means using a model to make predictions slightly outside the observed data range. In Applied Algebra, extrapolation can be appropriate when:

and the predicted -values are not too far outside the observed data.

From the scatterplot, the data points appear to run approximately from:

So the observed data range is about:

A reasonable extrapolation range extends a little beyond the data, but not too far. The interval:

extends about 3 units beyond each side of the observed data, which is reasonable.

The interval:

extends much farther beyond the data and would be less reliable.

Also, does not have to equal exactly 1 for extrapolation to be useful. A value less than 1 can still represent a strong model.

Therefore, the correct answer is: