Discrete vs Continuous

Front

What is a discrete variable?

Back

A discrete variable is a type of variable that can take on a countable number of distinct values. Examples include the number of students in a class or the number of orange Skittles in a bag.

Front

What is a continuous variable?

Back

A continuous variable is a type of variable that can take on an infinite number of values within a given range. Examples include height, weight, and temperature.

Front

Give an example of a discrete random variable.

Back

The number of suitcases lost by airlines is an example of a discrete random variable.

Front

Give an example of a continuous random variable.

Back

The temperature at noon is an example of a continuous random variable.

Front

How can you identify a discrete variable in a data set?

Back

A discrete variable can be identified by checking if the values can be counted or listed. If you can enumerate the possible values, it is discrete.

Front

How can you identify a continuous variable in a data set?

Back

A continuous variable can be identified by checking if the values can take on any value within a range. If the values can be measured and include fractions or decimals, it is continuous.

Front

What type of data is represented by the graph of the growth of a plant over time?

Back

The graph of the growth of a plant over time represents continuous data.

Front

Is the number of points scored by a basketball team in a game discrete or continuous?

Back

The number of points scored by a basketball team in a game is a discrete random variable.

Front

What is the difference between discrete and continuous data?

Back

Discrete data consists of distinct, separate values, while continuous data can take on any value within a range.

Front

Can a variable be both discrete and continuous?

Back

No, a variable is either discrete or continuous, but not both. They represent different types of data.