Which of the following best describes a scatter plot?

A scatter plot is best described as a plot demonstrating the relationship between two variables. This type of graph visualizes data points on a two-dimensional coordinate system, where each point represents the values of the two variables being compared. The placement of these points reveals potential correlations, patterns, or distributions in the data, making it a powerful tool for identifying relationships.

Scatter plots are particularly useful for quantitative analysis, as they can indicate whether changes in one variable may affect another. For instance, if the points tend to cluster along a line, this suggests a strong relationship, which can be further quantified by calculating correlation coefficients. By effectively showcasing the relationship between variables, scatter plots help data-driven decision-makers identify trends that are not immediately obvious from raw data alone.

Other types of graphs mentioned in the other options serve different purposes. For example, graphs that show trends over time focus on a single variable against time rather than examining the interactions between two variables, while diagrams that compare parts of a whole are typically pie charts. Frequency distribution charts summarize data and show how often each value occurs rather than highlighting the interplay between two distinct variables.