Which type of data visualization would be most appropriate for displaying trends over time?

The most appropriate type of data visualization for displaying trends over time is a line graph. Line graphs excel at illustrating how data points change over a continuous interval, making them particularly useful for tracking trends. The connected points represent data values at different times, allowing viewers to easily see increases, decreases, or patterns over the specified time period.

In contrast, bar charts are more effective for comparing discrete categories rather than showing continuous trends over time. Pie charts represent parts of a whole at a single point in time and do not effectively convey changes or trends. Scatter plots are useful for showing correlations between two variables but do not inherently represent time progression the way line graphs do. Thus, the structure and purpose of a line graph align perfectly with the objective of examining trends over time.