Final answer:
To enhance the readability of large or complex tables, the most effective method is to use shading on alternating lines. Additionally, putting important figures in boldface can help highlight key data.
Step-by-step explanation:
Very large or complex tables can be made more readable by a) using shading on alternating lines. This method helps to visually separate and distinguish each row, making the data easier to follow and reducing the likelihood of losing one's place when moving across a dense and information-rich table. Options such as b) decreasing the height of cells, which could make the table more cramped, or d) using alternating fonts for clarity, which might create a chaotic appearance, are generally not recommended for enhancing readability. In contrast, c) putting important figures in boldface can also help highlight key data within the table, drawing the reader's attention to the most significant numbers without affecting the readability of the entire table.
When attempting to condense detailed numerical information into a visual form, methods such as graphing can allow for quick recognition of patterns and relationships. Economists, for example, often use graphs to provide a compact and readable presentation of data, as well as to build an intuitive understanding of complex relationships. Such visual tools are invaluable for effectively communicating numerical information.