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Introduction
Correlation helps you connect a mathematical rule to a result you can explain and check. Calculate a linear association measure and interpret its direction and strength. A coefficient does not establish a cause. This lesson belongs to sequences, data and mathematical modeling and builds toward independent Algebra I problem solving.
Alignment uses 19 TAC §111.39(c). Review lessons sample their listed standards. Readiness and supporting labels describe STAAR emphasis, not whether a topic is required.
Learning objectives
- Identify the quantities and representations used in correlation.
- Apply the lesson's rule to solve a numerical or contextual problem.
- Explain each mathematical step using the correct vocabulary.
- Verify an answer and correct a likely error.
Prerequisite knowledge
Read coordinate pairs, calculate means, and interpret slope.
Previous lesson: Scatterplots
Key mathematical vocabulary
- variable
- A letter representing an unknown or changing quantity.
- coefficient
- A factor multiplying a variable term.
- correlation
- A measure of association, not proof of cause.
- residual
- Observed output minus predicted output.
- expression
- A mathematical phrase representing a value.
Formulas and rules
- a(b+c)=ab+ac
- Equivalent expressions agree for all allowed inputs.
- A solution satisfies every original condition.
Data, association, and linear models
Calculate a linear association measure and interpret its direction and strength. A coefficient does not establish a cause.
A scatterplot records paired quantitative observations. A fitted line describes a trend and usually does not pass through every point. Pearson correlation r measures the direction and strength of a linear association, with −1≤r≤1 when both variables have nonzero variation.
Technology can calculate m=Sxy/Sxx and b=ȳ−m x̄ for a least-squares line, and r=Sxy/√(Sxx Syy). A residual is observed y minus predicted y. A small linear correlation does not rule out a strong nonlinear pattern. Association alone cannot prove causation; confounding variables and study design matter.
A method you can explain
- Read the question and identify the known information, unknown quantities, and any domain restrictions. Select a suitable representation and tool.
- Apply the relationship explained above. The means are x̄=2.5, ȳ=51. Calculate centered sums Sxx=5, Sxy=60, Syy=720.
- Write each calculation or logical inference on a separate line. Keep units and signs visible. When two methods are possible, compare which one uses the given information most directly.
- Check the result in the ORIGINAL conditions, not merely the last simplified line. The centered-sum calculation independently returns r=1.
- Interpret what the answer means. Decide whether its size, sign, and precision make sense; identify a restriction or assumption that would change the conclusion.
Five worked examples
Example 1 · Beginner
Use the data (1, 33), (2, 45), (3, 57), (4, 69) to calculate Pearson r and interpret it.
| x | y |
|---|---|
| 1 | 33 |
| 2 | 45 |
| 3 | 57 |
| 4 | 69 |
- The means are x̄=2.5, ȳ=51. Calculate centered sums Sxx=5, Sxy=60, Syy=720.
- Use technology or r=Sxy/√(Sxx·Syy): r=60/√(5·720)=1.
- All points lie exactly on an increasing line. r=1 describes linear association; it does not prove causation. With zero variance in either variable, r is undefined.
Answer: r = 1; perfect positive linear association
Verify: The centered-sum calculation independently returns r=1.
Avoid this mistake: Interpreting correlation as proof of cause.
Example 2 · Basic
Use the data (1, 34), (2, 47), (3, 60), (4, 73) to calculate Pearson r and interpret it.
| x | y |
|---|---|
| 1 | 34 |
| 2 | 47 |
| 3 | 60 |
| 4 | 73 |
- The means are x̄=2.5, ȳ=53.5. Calculate centered sums Sxx=5, Sxy=65, Syy=845.
- Use technology or r=Sxy/√(Sxx·Syy): r=65/√(5·845)=1.
- All points lie exactly on an increasing line. r=1 describes linear association; it does not prove causation. With zero variance in either variable, r is undefined.
Answer: r = 1; perfect positive linear association
Verify: The centered-sum calculation independently returns r=1.
Avoid this mistake: Reversing observed minus predicted when finding a residual.
Example 3 · Intermediate
Use the data (1, 35), (2, 49), (3, 63), (4, 77) to calculate Pearson r and interpret it.
| x | y |
|---|---|
| 1 | 35 |
| 2 | 49 |
| 3 | 63 |
| 4 | 77 |
- The means are x̄=2.5, ȳ=56. Calculate centered sums Sxx=5, Sxy=70, Syy=980.
- Use technology or r=Sxy/√(Sxx·Syy): r=70/√(5·980)=1.
- All points lie exactly on an increasing line. r=1 describes linear association; it does not prove causation. With zero variance in either variable, r is undefined.
Answer: r = 1; perfect positive linear association
Verify: The centered-sum calculation independently returns r=1.
Avoid this mistake: Trusting distant extrapolation without checking the context.
Example 4 · Advanced
Use the data (1, 24), (2, 26), (3, 28), (4, 30) to calculate Pearson r and interpret it.
| x | y |
|---|---|
| 1 | 24 |
| 2 | 26 |
| 3 | 28 |
| 4 | 30 |
- The means are x̄=2.5, ȳ=27. Calculate centered sums Sxx=5, Sxy=10, Syy=20.
- Use technology or r=Sxy/√(Sxx·Syy): r=10/√(5·20)=1.
- All points lie exactly on an increasing line. r=1 describes linear association; it does not prove causation. With zero variance in either variable, r is undefined.
Answer: r = 1; perfect positive linear association
Verify: The centered-sum calculation independently returns r=1.
Avoid this mistake: Interpreting correlation as proof of cause.
Example 5 · Challenge
Use the data (1, 25), (2, 28), (3, 31), (4, 34) to calculate Pearson r and interpret it.
| x | y |
|---|---|
| 1 | 25 |
| 2 | 28 |
| 3 | 31 |
| 4 | 34 |
- The means are x̄=2.5, ȳ=29.5. Calculate centered sums Sxx=5, Sxy=15, Syy=45.
- Use technology or r=Sxy/√(Sxx·Syy): r=15/√(5·45)=1.
- All points lie exactly on an increasing line. r=1 describes linear association; it does not prove causation. With zero variance in either variable, r is undefined.
Answer: r = 1; perfect positive linear association
Verify: The centered-sum calculation independently returns r=1.
Avoid this mistake: Reversing observed minus predicted when finding a residual.
Technology lab: fit and inspect your data
Enter paired measurements to calculate correlation and fit linear, quadratic, and positive exponential models. Compare the rule with the actual context before choosing a model.
Common mistakes and corrections
- Interpreting correlation as proof of cause.
- Reversing observed minus predicted when finding a residual.
- Trusting distant extrapolation without checking the context.
Real-world applications
- Study the association between practice time and performance. Define the input and its units, apply the mathematical relationship, and check that the result fits the setting.
- Predict costs from observed production data and inspect prediction errors. Define the input and its units, apply the mathematical relationship, and check that the result fits the setting.
Topic summary
Calculate a linear association measure and interpret its direction and strength. A coefficient does not establish a cause.
A scatterplot records paired quantitative observations. A fitted line describes a trend and usually does not pass through every point. Pearson correlation r measures the direction and strength of a linear association, with −1≤r≤1 when both variables have nonzero variation.
Frequently asked questions
What should I know before correlation?
Read coordinate pairs, calculate means, and interpret slope.
How can I check my work?
The centered-sum calculation independently returns r=1. A numerical check can detect an error; when claiming an identity for all inputs, also explain the algebraic property that makes it true.
Which mistakes should I watch for?
Interpreting correlation as proof of cause. Reversing observed minus predicted when finding a residual. Trusting distant extrapolation without checking the context.
Can I use another valid method?
Yes. Explain your assumptions, show enough intermediate work to justify the result, and verify it in the original problem. Equivalent expressions and valid alternative methods receive credit.
Mathematical process practice · A.1A–A.1G
- A.1A: Study the association between practice time and performance.
- A.1B: Plan, solve, check, and interpret the written response.
- A.1C: Select paper, a calculator, a table, or a graph; explain the choice.
- A.1D: Connect symbols with a verbal explanation and another representation.
- A.1E: Organize the solution with a table, diagram, or labeled equations.
- A.1F: Explain how the representation and the algebraic rule express the same relationship.
- A.1G: Justify each operation and the reasonableness of the conclusion.
Quick revision notes
- Calculate a linear association measure and interpret its direction and strength. A coefficient does not establish a cause.
- Interpreting correlation as proof of cause.
- Reversing observed minus predicted when finding a residual.
- Trusting distant extrapolation without checking the context.
Practice and explain
Try all four multiple-choice questions, then show your reasoning in the written response. Objective scores and AI feedback assess different skills.
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Original Cambridge Veritas practice. These are not official STAAR items. Cambridge Veritas is not affiliated with or endorsed by TEA.
Official Algebra I TEKS (§111.39) · TEA assessed curriculum · STAAR blueprint · TEA instructional materials