Analysts at the Milk Company calculated the average price of a gallon of its milk over 10 years. The following table shows the years since 2010 and the average price of a gallon of milk at those times.

\begin{tabular}{|c|c|c|c|c|c|}
\hline
Years (since 2010) & 1 & 3 & 6 & 8 & 9 \\
\hline
Price (in dollars) & 3.57 & 3.49 & 3.20 & 2.90 & 3.04 \\
\hline
\end{tabular}

Which data display would you use to represent this data?

A. Histogram
B. Line plot
C. Scatter plot
D. Line graph



Answer :

When choosing an appropriate method to display the data provided in the table, we need to consider the nature of the data and what we want to convey. Let's review the given information and the options available for data representation:

1. Years since 2010: 1, 3, 6, 8, 9
2. Price (in dollars): 3.57, 3.49, 3.20, 2.90, 3.04

### Options Review
- Histogram: This is best suited for displaying the frequency distribution of a single set of data points. It is not ideal for illustrating the relationship between two variables over time.

- Line plot/Line graph: These are excellent for showing trends over a continuous interval or time span. Since we are dealing with sequential years, a line graph could effectively illustrate how the prices have changed over time.

- Scatter plot: This is particularly useful for showing the relationship between two sets of numerical data, helping to identify any correlation or pattern. Each point represents a pair of values (year and price in this case).

Given the nature of our data, where we have pairs representing years and corresponding prices, and considering the goal is to observe trends over time, the scatter plot would be a suitable choice. However, since the data points are sequential and we are interested in the trend over several years, connecting these points using a line can give a clearer view of how prices change over time.

Therefore, a line graph is the best option to represent this data effectively, as it will clearly showcase the trend in milk prices over the years since 2010.

So, the correct answer is:
- Line graph