Question

Listed is a series of experiments and associated random variables. In each case, identify the values that the random variable can assume and state whether the random variable is discrete or continuous.

Answer 1

Probability problems involve random variables that can be discrete or continuous, depending on the type of data being represented.

Step-by-step explanation:

These types of probability problems involve random variables, which can be either discrete or continuous. Discrete random variables have countable values that are obtained by counting, while continuous random variables have uncountable values that are obtained by measuring. To determine if a random variable is discrete or continuous, we need to consider the type of data being represented.

For example, if the random variable represents the number of questions posted to a listserv on a randomly picked day, the values can only be whole numbers (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, etc.), which are countable. Therefore, this is a discrete random variable with a countable domain.

In contrast, if the random variable represents the amount of money spent on books in a previous semester, the values can be any real number (such as 7.50, 12.75, 25.20, etc.), which are uncountable. Therefore, this is a continuous random variable with a continuous domain.