Question

In the $1990$s, the park rangers at Yellowstone National park implemented a program aimed at increasing the dwindling coyote population in Montana. Results of studies of the coyote population in the park are shown in the scatterplot. Based on the line of best fit in the scatterplot, which of the following is the closest to the average annual increase in coyotes in Yellowstone Park between $1995$ and $2000$?

• A. $22$
• B. $24$
• C. $26$
• D. $28$

Answer 1

The correct option is B $24$

According to the line of best fit, in $1995$, there were $20$ coyotes in the park. In $2000$, there were $140$ coyotes in the park.

This is an increase of $120$ coyotes over a period of $5$ years,

so $\frac{120}{5}$ $=$ an average increase of $24$ coyotes per year, which is (B).