Which term refers to the visual contour of a frequency polygon?

The term that refers to the visual contour of a frequency polygon is shape. A frequency polygon is created by plotting the frequencies of different ranges of data points as a series of connected line segments and is particularly useful for displaying how data is distributed across a range. The shape of this polygon provides insights into the nature of the data, such as whether it is symmetrical, skewed, or has multiple peaks (multimodal). Understanding the shape helps in interpreting the underlying trends and patterns in the data.

Data distribution encompasses all arrangements and characteristics of the data but does not specifically refer to the visual contour of the frequency polygon. Center typically pertains to measures like mean or median, which describe the central point of the data set rather than its visual representation. Trend refers to a general direction in which the data points move over time, which may not necessarily relate to the geometric outline of a frequency polygon. Thus, the best term for the visual contour of a frequency polygon is clearly shape, as it directly describes the graphical representation.