How does predictive analytics primarily differ from descriptive analytics?

Predictive analytics fundamentally differs from descriptive analytics primarily in its focus and purpose. Predictive analytics is designed to forecast future outcomes based on historical data and statistical techniques. It leverages various algorithms and models to identify patterns and trends, ultimately allowing businesses to anticipate future events, behaviors, and trends.

In contrast, descriptive analytics is centered on summarizing and analyzing historical data to understand what has happened in the past. It provides insights into past performance and trends without attempting to predict future outcomes. Descriptive analytics focuses on creating reports and visualizations that effectively communicate insights from historical data.

Therefore, option C accurately captures this distinction by clearly stating that predictive analytics forecasts future trends while descriptive analytics summarizes past data. This understanding is essential for leveraging analytics in decision-making processes, as organizations often require both types of analyses to inform their strategies effectively.