Final answer:
Data mining is a tool that allows users to find hidden relationships in data by analyzing large amounts of data to discover patterns, trends, and associations. It is commonly used to identify customer purchasing patterns and preferences.
Step-by-step explanation:
Data mining is a tool that allows users to find hidden relationships in data. It involves analyzing large amounts of data to discover patterns, trends, and associations that may not be immediately apparent. For example, data mining can be used to identify customer purchasing patterns and preferences based on historical transaction data. By using data mining techniques, businesses can gain valuable insights that can help improve decision-making and develop targeted marketing strategies.