What is a histogram?

A histogram is a graphical representation of the distribution of numerical data that utilizes bars to illustrate the frequency of different ranges of data values, known as bins. Each bar's height corresponds to the number of data points that fall within that specific range. This visual format allows for easy interpretation of the underlying dataset, revealing patterns such as central tendencies, variability, and the shape of the distribution, which can include features like skewness or the presence of multiple modes.

In contrast, the other choices represent different types of data visualization. A pie chart, mentioned in one choice, is used to depict proportions of a whole rather than showing distributions of numerical data. A linear representation of data over time typically refers to line graphs, which track changes over a continuous interval rather than the distribution of data. Lastly, while a table showing the frequency of values serves a similar purpose in depicting data, it does not provide the visual representation that a histogram does, making it less effective for quickly understanding distribution characteristics.