How is one way that data concerning two variables is modified to reduce error in order to show general trends or patterns?

One way to reduce error in data concerning two variables is by applying a smoothing technique, such as moving averages or polynomial regression. These methods help to filter out noise and fluctuations in the data, allowing for clearer visibility of underlying trends or patterns. By averaging the values over a specified interval or fitting a curve to the data points, analysts can better understand the relationship between the variables without being misled by random variations.