To determine the best type of graph to show how many cookies were sold over time, it's important to consider the nature of the data and the purpose of the graph.
1. Bar Graph: Bar graphs are useful for comparing discrete quantities. For example, if you want to compare the number of cookies sold between different stores or different types of cookies, a bar graph would be suitable. However, it does not effectively show the change over time.
2. Box-and-whisker Plot: Box-and-whisker plots (or box plots) display the distribution of a dataset based on a five-number summary (minimum, first quartile, median, third quartile, and maximum). They are typically used to show the spread and identify outliers in data. While they are very informative, they are not ideal for showing trends over time.
3. Stemplot: Stemplots, also known as stem-and-leaf plots, show the distribution of quantitative data and can be useful for small datasets. They organize data to show its shape and distribution but are not suited for illustrating changes over time.
4. Line Graph: Line graphs are particularly effective for showing trends over a continuous period of time. Each point represents data at a specific time, and connecting these points with lines can show a clear trend or pattern.
Given that the goal is to show how many cookies were sold over time, the most appropriate choice would be a graph that:
- Displays data points over a continuous period.
- Illustrates trends and changes clearly.
Considering these requirements, a line graph is the best option to show the change in the number of cookies sold over time. It can effectively represent the progression and trends in the cookie sales as time progresses.
Therefore, the best choice is:
D. Line graph
