What can be measured using charts and graphs?

Charts and graphs are powerful tools for visualizing data, making it easier to interpret complex information at a glance. They can effectively showcase trends, patterns, and comparisons by displaying data over time or across different categories. For instance, a line graph can illustrate how a utility company's energy consumption changes month-to-month, while a bar chart can help compare the performance of different departments within the company.

Trends represent a general direction in which data is moving, while patterns can reveal consistent changes or relationships within the dataset. Comparisons allow for evaluating one set of data against another, helping stakeholders make informed decisions based on visual evidence.

In contrast, while financial metrics and qualitative data can be represented in charts and graphs, these mediums are not limited to just those forms of data. Thus, they serve a broader function, which is why the ability to demonstrate trends, patterns, and comparisons in data is the correct answer.