Which term describes a graph that uses line segments to show changes that occur over time?

• A. Line plot
• B. Bar chart
• C. Tally chart
• D. Line graph

Answer: (D)

Line graph is the best choice because it uses line segments to connect data points, showing how values change as time passes. The horizontal axis typically represents time (like days or months), and the vertical axis shows the amount or quantity. Connecting the points with lines makes trends easy to see—whether things are going up, down, or staying steady.

A line plot places individual data points on a number line without connecting them, so it’s about distribution rather than a connected trend over time. A bar chart uses bars to compare quantities across categories or time periods, but the data points aren’t joined by a continuous line. A tally chart records counts with tally marks and isn’t about showing a time-based progression.