In this case, X, which represents the number of days an APU statistics student is absent from class during a quarter, is an example of a random variable.
Specifically, it is a discrete random variable since the number of days absent can only take on distinct, separate values (e.g., 0 days, 1 day, 2 days, and so on). Random variables are used in probability theory and statistics to model and quantify uncertainty.
A random variable is a variable whose possible values are outcomes of a random phenomenon.
In the context of your scenario, the random variable is denoted by X, representing the number of days an APU statistics student is absent from class during a quarter.
Random variables can be classified as either discrete or continuous.
Discrete Random Variable: This type of random variable can take on a countable number of distinct values. In your scenario, X is discrete because the number of days absent can only be whole numbers (0 days, 1 day, 2 days, and so on).