Linear:
![dataline1](DataLine1.jpg)
This scatter plot forms a straight line. The points are rising from left to right across the graph in a linear manner.
![dataline2](DataLine2.jpg)
A line can be drawn with approximately the same number of dots above and below the line.
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Obviously non-Linear:
![dataparabola2](Dataparabola2.jpg)
This scatter plot clearly does not form a straight line. First the dots go up, but then they turn and go back down.
![dataparabola1](Dataparabola1.jpg)
While a "line" of best fit is not possible with this scatter plot, it may be possible to draw a "curve" of best fit. |
Not Obviously non-Linear:
![dataexp2](DataExp2.jpg)
It is not easy to determine whether this scatter plot is linear or not, but it is non-linear. See *Hint below.
![dataexp1](DataExp1.jpg)
A curve can be fitted to this data with approximately the same number of dots above and below the curve. |