CCSS.Math.Content.HSS-ID.B.6c

MathGrades 9–12Interpreting Categorical and Quantitative Data

The standard

Fit a linear function for a scatter plot that suggests a linear association.

Common Core State Standards for Mathematics · Summarize, represent, and interpret data on two categorical and quantitative variables

What this standard means

Students need to look at a scatter plot and decide whether a straight-line model makes sense. If it does, they should draw or calculate a line of fit, write its equation, and use it to make predictions.

Mastery looks like choosing a reasonable line, explaining the slope and intercept in context, and judging whether a prediction is sensible. Students often get stuck treating any scatter plot as linear, mixing up x and y, or thinking the line must pass through every point.

Ways to teach it

  • Have students place spaghetti on printed scatter plots, adjust a best-fit line, then estimate the slope and intercept from the graph.
  • Ask students to write what the slope means for a scatter plot comparing hours studied and test score.
  • Show one scatter plot and three possible equations, then ask students to choose the best model and explain why.
  • Use local weather data to model the relationship between daily high temperature and ice cream sales, then discuss prediction limits.

Plan a lesson for CCSS.Math.Content.HSS-ID.B.6c

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Related standards

  • CCSS.Math.Content.HSS-ID.B.6

    Represent data on two quantitative variables on a scatter plot, and describe how the variables are related.

  • CCSS.Math.Content.8.SP.A.1

    Construct and interpret scatter plots for bivariate measurement data to investigate patterns of association between two quantities. Describe patterns such as cl...

  • CCSS.Math.Content.8.SP.A.2

    Know that straight lines are widely used to model relationships between two quantitative variables. For scatter plots that suggest a linear association, informa...

  • CCSS.Math.Content.HSS-ID.C

    Interpret linear models

Standard text verified against corestandards.org on July 10, 2026.

Page updated July 10, 2026.

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