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A scientist is studying peacocks records values for each of the following variables for groups of peacocks randomly selected from different habitats:

W= the average weight of the peacocks
X= the number of babies in the flock
Z = the top running speed of the fastest peacock
How many of these are continuous random variables and how many are discrete random variables?
(A) Zero discrete, three continuous
(B) One discrete, two continuous
(C) Two discrete, one continuous
(D) Three discrete, zero continuous

1 Answer

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Answer:

W (average weight) and Z (top running speed) are continuous random variables because they can take on any value within a certain range (e.g., a peacock's weight can be 5.3 pounds or 5.301 pounds or 5.3001 pounds, etc.).

X (number of babies) is a discrete random variable because it can only take on integer values (e.g., a peacock flock can have 1 baby, 2 babies, 3 babies, etc.).

Therefore, the answer is (B) one discrete and two continuous random variables.

Explanation:

A discrete random variable is a variable that can only take on a finite or countably infinite number of values. In this case, the number of babies in the flock is a countable set of values (i.e., 0, 1, 2, 3, ...), so it is a discrete random variable.

A continuous random variable, on the other hand, can take on an uncountable number of values within a certain range. In this case, the weight and top running speed of a peacock can take on any value within a certain range (e.g., weight can range from 0.01 pounds to 20 pounds or more), so they are continuous random variables.

Therefore, the answer is (B) one discrete and two continuous random variables.

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