S1 June 2018 Q6

EdexcelOld spec14 marksCorrelation & Regression

6. A group of climbers collected information about the height above sea level, \(h\) metres, and the air temperature, \(t\) °C, at the same time at 8 different points on the same mountain.

The data are summarised by

\[\sum h = 6370 \qquad \sum t = 61 \qquad \sum th = 31\,070 \qquad \sum t^2 = 693\]
(a) Show that \(\mathrm{S}_{th} = -17\,501.25\) and \(\mathrm{S}_{tt} = 227.875\) (3)

The product moment correlation coefficient for these data is \(-0.985\)

(b) State, giving a reason, whether or not this value supports the use of a regression equation to predict the air temperature at different heights on this mountain. (1)
(c) Find the equation of the regression line of \(t\) on \(h\), giving your answer in the form \(t = a + bh\). Give the value of your coefficients to 3 significant figures. (7)
(d) Give an interpretation of your value of \(a\). (1)

One of the climbers has just stopped for a short break before climbing the next 150 metres.

(e) Estimate the drop in temperature over this 150 metre climb. (2)