What is a common application of machine learning in the AI field?

Predictive analytics and trend forecasting are prominent applications of machine learning in the AI field because they involve utilizing algorithms to identify patterns and make informed predictions based on historical data. By analyzing large datasets, machine learning models can learn from past behaviors and trends, enabling them to forecast future outcomes. This capability is particularly valuable in various industries, such as finance, healthcare, and marketing, where anticipating trends can drive decision-making and strategic planning.

In contrast, other options, such as data entry automation, focus more on process automation rather than on inference or prediction based on learned data. Basic arithmetic computations relate to fundamental operations that do not require machine learning's advanced capabilities. Similarly, manual report generation relies on human effort rather than automated insights derived from data analysis, which further differentiates it from the predictive capabilities inherent in machine learning applications.