Can a Low Barometer Reading Be Used to Predict Maximum $$\begin{array} { c | c c c c c } \hline x & 1014 & 935 & 980 & 955 & 995 \\\hline y & 50 & 80 & 60 & 135 & 84 \\\hline\end{array}$$

Multiple Choice

Can a low barometer reading be used to predict maximum wind speed of an approaching tropical cyclone? Let x be the lowest pressure (in millibars) as a cyclone approaches, and let y be the maximum wind speed (in miles per hour) of the cyclone. Suppose a random sample of cyclones gave the following information. $$\begin{array} { c | c c c c c } \hline x & 1014 & 935 & 980 & 955 & 995 \\\hline y & 50 & 80 & 60 & 135 & 84 \\\hline\end{array}$$ Given that the value of r is -0.556, should y increase as x increases, does the value of r imply that y should tend to increase, decrease, or remain the same? Explain.

A) Since r is zero, as x increases, y remains the same.
B) Since r is negative, as x increases, y decreases.
C) Since r is negative, as x increases, y increases.
D) Since r is positive, as x increases, y increases.
E) Since r is positive, as x increases, y decreases.