What type of data do histograms primarily display?

Histograms are graphical representations that are specifically designed to display the distribution of continuous data. Continuous data consists of numeric values that can take on any value within a given range and can include fractional values. This allows for a detailed representation of data alongside its frequency distribution.

In a histogram, the data is often divided into intervals, or "bins", allowing for a clear visual demonstration of how frequently each range of values occurs. This makes it an excellent tool for identifying patterns, such as trends or outliers, within continuous datasets.

While other types of data, such as ordinal and nominal, can be represented in various graphical formats, histograms are particularly suited for continuous data due to the nature of the data being displayed. For instance, ordinal data, though it has a defined order, does not necessarily maintain consistent intervals between values. Nominal data consists of distinct categories without any inherent order, which would not effectively be represented in a histogram. Discrete data, on the other hand, can be represented in bar charts more effectively, since discrete data sets do not require the same continuous intervals that histograms utilize.

Overall, the primary function of a histogram is to showcase the frequency distribution of continuous data, making it a fundamental tool in statistical analysis and data visualization