HSC Standard Math Practice Exam 2025 - Free Math Practice Questions and Study Guide

The main goal when drawing a line of best fit is to balance the number of points above and below the line, which helps to best represent the overall trend in the data. The concept of a line of best fit is typically rooted in statistical methods, such as linear regression, where the aim is to create a line that captures the general direction of the data while minimizing the distance of the points from the line.

By ensuring that there are roughly equal numbers of data points above and below the line, the line can effectively depict the central tendency of the data set. This balance plays a crucial role in making predictions and understanding the relationship between the variables represented in the scatterplot.

Connecting all points in the scatterplot does not allow for a clear representation of the trend, as it could lead to a jagged line that fails to capture the overall pattern. A horizontal line would suggest no relationship between the variables, which is not suitable unless that is indeed the nature of the data. Minimizing the maximum distance from the line is not the standard objective; rather, the intention is to minimize the sum of squares of the vertical distances of the points to the line, which is a broader and more accurate reflection of the data's spread. Thus, focusing on balancing