Question

Which of these data sets represent discrete data?

a.) temperature readings for tuesday afternoon
b.) snowfall that fell last night in maine
c.) time spent in running 1 mile
d.) number of questions answered incorrectly in a multiple-choice quiz

Answer 1

The data set representing discrete data is the number of questions answered incorrectly in a multiple-choice quiz. Discrete data consist of countable, distinct values, unlike the continuous data displayed in the other options provided.

Step-by-step explanation:

Among the given data sets, the one that represents discrete data is d.) the number of questions answered incorrectly in a multiple-choice quiz. Discrete data refer to counts of individual items or occurrences where the values can only be distinct and separate, typically whole numbers.

You cannot answer a fraction of a question; thus, the number is countable and finite, characterizing discrete data. In comparison, the other options like temperature readings, snowfall in Maine, and time spent running a mile are examples of continuous data since they can take on any value within a range and can be measured to finer and finer levels of detail.

For example, the temperature can be 71 degrees, 71.5 degrees, or even 71.563 degrees. Snowfall can vary by minute fractions of an inch, and similarly, the time spent running a mile could be measured in minutes, seconds, and even milliseconds. In contrast, data such as the number of tickets sold to a concert or the number of classes you take per school year are discrete because they can only be represented by whole numbers.