Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Business Calculations Practice Test

Which type of chart is best suited for showing data that changes over time?

1. A histogram

2. A pie chart

3. A line chart

4. A bar chart

The correct answer is: A line chart

A line chart is best suited for showing data that changes over time because it is specifically designed to illustrate trends and patterns over a continuous range, typically represented on the x-axis as time intervals. The use of connected points allows viewers to easily see how values fluctuate, rise, or fall over the designated period. This makes it particularly effective for tracking changes, such as sales figures, stock prices, or temperature fluctuations. In contrast, a histogram is used to represent the distribution of numerical data by showing the frequency of values in intervals, making it less effective for visualizing changes over time. A pie chart displays parts of a whole at a single point in time, which does not facilitate the understanding of trends. A bar chart can compare different categories or groups at one time but does not inherently show how data points relate over a sequence, which is essential for time-based analysis.