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Classify the random variables below according to whether they are discrete or continuous.

a. The weight of a T-bone steak.
b. The number of points scored during a basketball game.
c. The number of statistics students now reading a book.
d. The number of bald eagles in the country.

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The weight of a T-bone steak is a continuous random variable, while the number of points scored during a basketball game, the number of statistics students now reading a book, and the number of bald eagles in the country are all discrete random variables.

Step-by-step explanation:

Random variables are classified as either discrete or continuous based on the way their values are obtained. We'll classify the given random variables accordingly.

  • a. The weight of a T-bone steak - This is a continuous random variable because weight is measured and can take on a range of values, including fractions.
  • b. The number of points scored during a basketball game - This is a discrete random variable because the number of points can only be counted in whole numbers; you can't score a fraction of a point.
  • c. The number of statistics students now reading a book - This is a discrete random variable as you count the number of students, which will always be a whole number.
  • d. The number of bald eagles in the country - Similar to the previous example, this is a discrete random variable because you count the number of eagles, which cannot be a fraction.

Remember, the main difference between discrete and continuous random variables is that discrete variables involve counting while continuous variables involve measuring.

User Dhamo Dharan
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