What is a common use for a scatter plot?

A scatter plot is primarily used to display trends and relationships between two quantitative variables. This graphical representation allows for visualization of how one variable is affected by another, highlighting patterns such as correlation, clusters, or outliers within the data set. By plotting individual data points on a Cartesian plane, it becomes easier to identify whether an increase in one variable corresponds to an increase or decrease in the other variable, providing insights into their relationship.

For example, if you were to plot the height and weight of individuals, the scatter plot could help reveal whether taller individuals tend to weigh more, indicating a positive correlation. This visual approach is essential in many fields, including statistics, economics, and the sciences, where understanding the interaction between two quantitative variables is key to analysis and decision-making.

Other options relate to different types of graphical representations. The first choice pertains to bar charts or histograms, which are designed for categorical data. The third choice reflects pie charts, which illustrate parts of a whole. The fourth choice suggests line graphs, typically employed to show how specific data points change over time. Thus, the specific capability of a scatter plot to address quantitative relationships makes it a valuable tool in data analysis.