1. **State the problem:** We have data on time spent watching TV ($x$) and time spent doing homework ($y$) for 24 students. We want to find the approximate equation of the line of best fit and use it to predict homework time for a student who watches TV 18 hours. 2. **Line of best fit formula:** The line of best fit is generally written as $$y = mx + b$$ where $m$ is the slope and $b$ is the y-intercept. 3. **Interpreting the scatter plot:** The plot shows a downward trend, so the slope $m$ will be negative. 4. **Approximating slope ($m$):** Choose two points roughly on the line: for example, at $x=0$, $y \approx 10$ and at $x=20$, $y \approx 2$. Calculate slope: $$m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} = \frac{2 - 10}{20 - 0} = \frac{-8}{20} = -0.4$$ 5. **Approximating intercept ($b$):** Using point $(0,10)$, intercept $b = 10$. 6. **Equation of line:** $$y = -0.4x + 10$$ 7. **Prediction for $x=18$:** $$y = -0.4(18) + 10 = -7.2 + 10 = 2.8$$ 8. **Final answers:** (a) Equation of line of best fit: $$y = -0.40x + 10.00$$ (b) Predicted homework time for 18 hours TV: $$2.80$$ hours