Discrete vs. Continuous: Understanding Variable Types

Which of the following is an example of a discrete variable?

• The height of students in a classroom

• The number of students in a classroom

• The temperature of a classroom

• The time it takes for a student to complete an exam

Answer explanation

A discrete variable is one that can only take on specific, separate values. In this case, the number of students in a classroom is a discrete variable because it can only be a whole number.

A variable that can take on any value within a given range is known as:

• Discrete variable

• Continuous variable

• Categorical variable

• Nominal variable

Answer explanation

A variable that can take on any value within a given range is known as a continuous variable.

Which of the following is a continuous variable?

• The number of chapters in a textbook

• The weight of a textbook

• The number of textbooks on a shelf

• The number of pages in a textbook

Answer explanation

A continuous variable is a variable that can take on any value within a certain range. The weight of a textbook is a continuous variable because it can have any value within a range, whereas the number of chapters, number of textbooks, and number of pages are all discrete variables with specific values.

The number of cars passing through a toll booth in an hour is an example of a:

• Continuous variable

• Discrete variable

• Qualitative variable

• None of the above

Answer explanation

The number of cars passing through a toll booth in an hour is a discrete variable because it can only take on whole number values.

Which of the following scenarios involves a discrete variable?

• Measuring the amount of milk in a jug

• Counting the number of eggs in a carton

• Recording the speed of a car

• Calculating the volume of water in a pool

Answer explanation

Counting the number of eggs in a carton is a scenario that involves a discrete variable because it involves counting whole numbers, which are distinct and separate values.

The age of a person rounded to the nearest year is an example of a:

• Continuous variable

• Discrete variable

• Both A and B

• Neither A nor B

Answer explanation

The age of a person rounded to the nearest year is a discrete variable because it can only take on whole number values.

Which of the following is NOT a discrete variable?

• The number of languages a person speaks

• The number of students enrolled in a university

• The amount of fuel in a car's tank

• The number of books on a shelf

Answer explanation

The amount of fuel in a car's tank is not a discrete variable because it can take on any value within a range, unlike the other options which have distinct, countable values.

The time it takes for a computer to boot up, measured in seconds, is an example of a:

• Discrete variable

• Continuous variable

• Qualitative variable

• None of the above

Answer explanation

The time it takes for a computer to boot up, measured in seconds, is an example of a continuous variable because it can take any value within a range.

Which of the following is an example of a continuous variable?

• The number of petals on a flower

• The pH level of a solution

• The number of students who passed an exam

• The number of countries in the world

Answer explanation

A continuous variable is one that can take on any value within a certain range. The pH level of a solution is an example of a continuous variable because it can have any value between 0 and 14.

Identify the discrete variable from the following options:

• The distance a car travels

• The speed of a car

• The number of cars in a parking lot

• The temperature inside a car

Answer explanation

The discrete variable is the number of cars in a parking lot, as it can only take on whole number values and cannot be measured on a continuous scale.