Final answer:
Data is the representation of a fact, figure, or idea, used in fields like science and mathematics for analysis and visual interpretations via tables and graphs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to this question is a) Data. Data is a representation of a fact, a figure, or an idea and can be a number, a word, a picture, or even a recording of sound. Data is essential in various fields and constitutes the raw information that can be analyzed or used to make decisions. For instance, in scientific research, observations collected during an investigation serve as data to test a hypothesis. Similarly, in mathematics, data can be represented in different formats such as frequency tables and histograms, providing visual interpretations of the quantitative or qualitative information gathered.