Generally speaking,if two variables are unrelated (as one increases,the other shows no pattern) ,the covariance will be:

A) a large positive number.
B) a large negative number.
C) a positive or negative number close to zero.
D) None of these choices.

One of the important factors determining a car's fuel efficiency is its weight.This relationship is examined for 11 cars,and the association is shown in the scatterplot below. If a linear model is considered,the regression analysis is as follows: Dependent variable: MPG
R-squared = 84.7%
VARIABLE COEFFICIENT
Intercept 47.1181
Weight -7.34614
What does the slope say about this relationship?

A) Gas mileage increases an average of 7.346 mpg for each thousand pounds of weight.
B) Gas mileage decreases an average of 7.346 mpg for each thousand pounds of weight.
C) Gas mileage increases an average of 4.712 mpg for each thousand pounds of weight.
D) Gas mileage decreases an average of 4.712 mpg for each thousand pounds of weight.
E) Gas mileage decreases an average of .7346 mpg for each thousand pounds of weight.