Consider a Multiple Regression Equation Predicting Life Expectancy in a Random

Multiple Choice

Consider a multiple regression equation predicting life expectancy in a random sample of 35 countries. X₁ is per capita GDP and X₂ is the country's homicide rate (per 100,000) . Suppose the regression equation is Y = a + 0.5(X₁) - 0.08(X₂) . How should we interpret a?

A) It is the predicted life expectancy value when a country has a GDP of 0 and a homicide rate of 0.
B) It is the predicted life expectancy value for a country with an average-level GDP and an average homicide rate.
C) It is the partial correlation between GDP and homicide rate.
D) It is the proportion of the variance in life expectancy explained by GDP and homicide rate.