DA0-002 Visualization and Reporting Practice Question
A data analyst is creating a dashboard to monitor server CPU utilization over the past 24 hours. Which chart type is most appropriate for showing the trend of CPU usage over time?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the misconception that a bar chart is suitable for time-series data, but bar charts are better for comparing distinct categories or aggregated values (e.g., average CPU per hour) rather than showing the continuous flow of data points over time.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Line chart
A line chart is the most appropriate choice for displaying CPU utilization trends over a continuous 24-hour period because it connects data points in chronological order, making it easy to observe peaks, valleys, and overall patterns. The x-axis represents time (hours), and the y-axis represents CPU usage percentage, allowing the analyst to quickly identify when utilization spikes or drops. This aligns with the DA0-001 objective of selecting the correct visualization for time-series data.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Scatter plot
Why it's wrong here
Scatter plots show correlation between two variables, not time series.
- ✗
Pie chart
Why it's wrong here
Pie charts are for parts of a whole, not time trends.
- ✓
Line chart
Why this is correct
Line charts display trends over time effectively.
- ✗
Bar chart
Why it's wrong here
Bar charts compare categories, not continuous trends.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This DA0-002 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the DA0-002 exam.