In a study to determine the relationship between ambient outdoor temperature and the rate of evaporation of water from the soil, measurements of the average temperature inoC and evaporation in millimeters per day were taken for 10 days. The researcher believes that the rate of evaporation (the response variable) is linearly related to the ambient outdoor temperature (the explanatory variable). They find the following information:

n = 10,r = 0.429, = 0.145x+1.431, = 4.4

Use the researcher's results to decide if the variables are linearly related, then make the best prediction for the rate of evaporation when the ambient outdoor temperature is 26oC.

Group of answer choices

The variables are linearly related and the best prediction is 5.2 mm/day.

The variables are linearly related and the best prediction is 4.4 mm/day.

The variables are not linearly related and the best prediction is 4.4 mm/day.

The variables are not linearly related and the best prediction is 5.2 mm/day.

There is not enough information to decide if the variables are linearly related, so no prediction may be made.