Question

Which of the following situations describes a discrete distribution?

O a probability distribution showing the average time it takes for children to walk to school.

O a probability distribution showing the heights of children in a first grade class.

O a probability distribution of the quantity of babies in the intensive care unit.

O a probability distribution showing the weights of newborns.

Answer 1

The situation describing a discrete distribution is the quantity of babies in the intensive care unit, as it entails countable data. The correct answer is option 3.

Step-by-step explanation:

In considering which situation describes a discrete distribution, we look at whether the data can be counted or if it must be measured. The choices involve the average time it takes for children to walk to school, heights of children, quantity of babies in an intensive care unit, and weights of newborns.

Let's analyze each option:

• The average time to walk to school represents a continuous variable since time can be measured in infinitely divisible units.
• Heights are also continuous since they can be measured to varying levels of precision.
• The quantity of babies in an intensive care unit is a countable number, making it discrete.
• Weights of newborns are measured and are therefore continuous.

The only option that is countable and thus represents a discrete distribution is the quantity of babies in the intensive care unit.