The scatterplot shown includes the (blue) least-squares regression line, whose equation is y = .975 + .005x, where y is calories (in thousands) and x is years after 1960. choose the correct statement. a. consumption is increasing at a rate of 5 calories per year. b. consumption is increasing at a rate of .5 calories per year. c. consumption is increasing at a rate of 50 calories per year. d. consumption is increasing at a rate of .05 calories per year.

a.   Consumption is increasing at a rate of 5 calories per year.

Step-by-step explanation:

Given: The scatter-plot shown includes the (blue) least-squares regression line, whose equation is , where y is calories (in thousands) and x is years after 1960.

Here, the slope of the line = 0.05 thousand=

We know that the slope of the line tells about the rate of change of function y with respect to x (independent variable).

Since, the slope of the given line is positive then the dependent variable increase with respect to the independent variable.

Therefore the consumption of calories is increasing at a rate of 5 calories per year.