What does a stem and leaf plot display?

A stem and leaf plot is specifically designed to display data in a way that retains the original values while summarizing them effectively. It segments each data point into two parts: the "stem," which represents the leading digits of the numbers, and the "leaf," which represents the trailing digits. This organization allows for easy visualization of the distribution of values and helps identify patterns, such as clusters or gaps within the data.

For example, if you have a dataset consisting of various numbers like 23, 24, 31, and 32, the stem (2 and 3) represents the tens place, while the leaves (3, 4 for the stem of 2 and 1, 2 for the stem of 3) represent the units place. This format enables readers to see the frequency of numbers and their arrangement without losing any of the details inherent in the original dataset.

In contrast, the other options don't accurately describe what a stem and leaf plot accomplishes. The plot does not directly illustrate relationships between variables, provide a summary measure such as an average, or compare distinct datasets. Instead, it focuses solely on the visualization and analysis of a single set of data.