SAT Two-variable Data and Scatterplots

Two-variable data covers scatterplots, lines of best fit and choosing between linear and exponential models. Predicting from a fit means multiplying the change in x by the slope — adding the change in x straight to y is the trap the bank names.

MathProblem-Solving and Data Analysis56 questions
The trap on this skill

Adding the change in x directly to y instead of multiplying by the slope.

How this skill behaves

What 56 questions on it look like

88% of these questions can appear in the harder second module. On a section-adaptive test that matters: this is a skill that keeps mattering after a strong first module, not one you leave behind.

43% of the bank for this skill is rated hard, so it rewards practice past the point where the basic form feels comfortable.

medium45%
hard43%
easy13%

Difficulty mix across the 56 questions in this skill.

From the bank

Three real two-variable data and scatterplots questions

Each one explains the credited answer and why every other option fails.

Problem-Solving and Data Analysis · medium

In a table used by mailroom weekend shelf shelving estimate, y increases from 54 to 79 as x increases from 1 to 6. If the relationship is linear, what is the predicted value of y when x = 9?

  1. A89
  2. B99
  3. C82
  4. D94correct
Why D is correct — and why the others are not

The slope is (79 - 54)/(6 - 1) = 5. From x = 6 to x = 9, x increases by 3, so y increases by 15 to 94. The key support is the way the item treats Two-variable data and scatterplots. A final check is verifying the sign and size of the result.

A. This value results from adding the change in x directly to y instead of multiplying by the slope

B. This value results from adding the change in x directly to y instead of multiplying by the slope

C. This value results from adding the change in x directly to y instead of multiplying by the slope

Problem-Solving and Data Analysis · hard

In a table used by showroom outdoor gate mapping invoice, y increases from 63 to 83 as x increases from 3 to 8. If the relationship is linear, what is the predicted value of y when x = 11?

  1. A91
  2. B95correct
  3. C99
  4. D86
Why B is correct — and why the others are not

The slope is (83 - 63)/(8 - 3) = 4. From x = 8 to x = 11, x increases by 3, so y increases by 12 to 95. The calculation or reading check points back to Two-variable data and scatterplots. A final check is substitution back into the original condition.

A. This value results from adding the change in x directly to y instead of multiplying by the slope

C. This value results from adding the change in x directly to y instead of multiplying by the slope

D. This value results from adding the change in x directly to y instead of multiplying by the slope

Problem-Solving and Data Analysis · easy

In a table used by clinic quiet frame labeling scale sheet, y increases from 24 to 34 as x increases from 4 to 9. If the relationship is linear, what is the predicted value of y when x = 12?

  1. A38
  2. B42
  3. C40correct
  4. D37
Why C is correct — and why the others are not

The slope is (34 - 24)/(9 - 4) = 2. From x = 9 to x = 12, x increases by 3, so y increases by 6 to 40. The final step answers the prompt as it applies to Two-variable data and scatterplots. A final check is using the constraint to reject extraneous answers.

A. This value results from adding the change in x directly to y instead of multiplying by the slope

B. This value results from adding the change in x directly to y instead of multiplying by the slope

D. This value results from adding the change in x directly to y instead of multiplying by the slope

56 questions on this skill, free to start.

Ten a day at no cost, each with the same explanation. One account covers SAT, ACT and AP.

Start free
FAQ

Two-variable Data and Scatterplots questions

How do I use a line of best fit?

Read the slope and intercept from the equation, substitute the x you were given, and interpret the result in the units of the graph.

Linear or exponential?

Look at how the values change: a roughly constant difference is linear, a roughly constant ratio is exponential.
Last reviewed 2026-08-28. Format and scoring facts sourced to College Board. Question counts describe the PrepScore bank, not the exam.

Practise two-variable data and scatterplots until the trap stops working.

Real Digital SAT questions, the reasoning on every option, and a mistake bank that only clears when you get it right.