Zendaya has a part-time job at an ice skating rink selling hot cocoa. She
decided to plot the number of hot cocoas she sold relative to the day’s high
temperature and then draw the line of best fit. What does the slope of the
line represent?

The slope of the line represents the relationship between the temperature and the number of hot cocoas sold. If the slope is positive, it indicates that as the temperature increases, the sales of hot cocoa also tend to rise, perhaps because people enjoy warm beverages when it’s chilly. Conversely, a negative slope would suggest that fewer hot cocoas are sold as temperatures rise, which makes sense because people often prefer colder drinks on warmer days.

Understanding this relationship can help Zendaya optimize her sales strategy. By analyzing the data, she can predict which days might yield higher hot cocoa sales and possibly adjust her stock or promote her stand more aggressively during colder weather. This real-world application of statistical analysis not only enhances her cash flow but also keeps her warm on those brisk skating rink evenings!