Which of the following features on a graphing calculator can be used to compare two or more data sets to identify patterns and trends?

• A. Finding the $\sqrt{\mathrm{eachdataext\{\; value\}}}$ of each data value
• B. Using the trace function on a single scatter plot
• C. Overlaying multiple box plots on the same graph
• D. Calculating the $\mathrm{mean}$ of a single data set

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the goal: We want to compare two or more data sets to identify patterns and trends visually.
2. Evaluate each option by considering what it does: Finding the square root of each data value transforms data but does not directly help compare multiple data sets visually.
3. Using the trace function on a single scatter plot allows you to examine individual points but only on one data set at a time, so it is not ideal for comparing multiple data sets.
4. Overlaying multiple box plots on the same graph allows you to visually compare the distribution, central tendency, and spread of multiple data sets simultaneously, making it easier to identify patterns and trends.
5. Calculating the mean of a single data set provides a summary statistic but does not offer a visual comparison between multiple data sets.