What type of graph is ideal for showing gradual change over time?

A line graph is ideal for showing gradual change over time because it visually represents data points connected by lines, making it easy to observe trends and patterns. This format allows for clear visualization of increases or decreases over a continuous scale, such as time.

In a line graph, the x-axis typically represents time intervals (like days, months, or years), while the y-axis represents the variable being measured. As users plot points over time and connect them with lines, they can instantly see the direction and rate of change. This effectiveness in illustrating trends over time makes line graphs particularly useful in contexts where understanding the progression of data is important, such as in finance, weather patterns, or population growth.

Other graph types, like pie charts and bar charts, serve different purposes. Pie charts are designed to show proportions and percentages of a whole at a specific moment, rather than changes over time. Bar charts can depict changes over time but are more suitable for comparing distinct categories rather than continuous data points. Tables present data in a structured format but lack the visual clarity needed to quickly discern trends and changes. Thus, for depicting gradual changes over time, the line graph is the most appropriate choice.