When analyzing data,look for ________,which are definite patterns taking place over time,such as growth and decline.

A) trends
B) indexes
C) segues
D) smatterings

Trends are definite patterns taking place over time, which is what the sentence is describing. Indexes are measurements used to track changes in a specific data set or market, and segues refer to transitions or connections between different ideas or topics. Smatterings refers to scattered or isolated pieces of information, which is not what the sentence is describing.