What is an advantage of using a stem-and-leaf plot instead of a histogram?

• A. A stem-and-leaf plot can be used for much larger data sets than a histogram.
• B. A stem-and-leaf plot always uses vertical bars to represent frequencies.
• C. A stem-and-leaf plot preserves the original data values, making it possible to see the exact data points.
• D. A stem-and-leaf plot is better for displaying qualitative data than a histogram.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the purpose of both plots: A histogram groups data into intervals (bins) and shows the frequency of data points within each bin, while a stem-and-leaf plot displays individual data points organized by place value.
2. Recognize that a histogram provides a visual summary of data distribution but does not show exact data values, as it aggregates data into ranges.
3. Note that a stem-and-leaf plot preserves the original data values by listing them explicitly, allowing you to see each individual data point within the dataset.
4. Consider the size of data sets: stem-and-leaf plots are typically used for smaller to moderate-sized data sets because they display all data points, whereas histograms can handle larger data sets more efficiently by grouping data.
5. Conclude that the key advantage of a stem-and-leaf plot over a histogram is its ability to retain and display the exact data values, providing more detailed information about the data.