On a scatterplot, are costs typically plotted on the $x$-axis?

• A. Yes, costs are always plotted on the horizontal axis ($x$-axis).
• B. Costs are never plotted on either axis in a scatterplot.
• C. No, costs are usually plotted on the vertical axis ($y$-axis).
• D. Costs can only be plotted on the horizontal axis if they are the independent variable.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the roles of the axes in a scatterplot: the horizontal axis (x-axis) typically represents the independent variable, while the vertical axis (y-axis) represents the dependent variable.
2. Identify whether 'costs' in the context of the problem are considered an independent or dependent variable. Costs are usually dependent on other factors, such as quantity or time.
3. Since costs depend on another variable, they are generally plotted on the vertical axis (y-axis) to show how they change in response to the independent variable on the horizontal axis.
4. Recognize that costs can be plotted on the horizontal axis only if they are the independent variable, which is less common but possible depending on the context of the data.
5. Conclude that the typical convention is to plot costs on the vertical axis (y-axis) in a scatterplot, reflecting their role as a dependent variable.