Final answer:
The blood pressures of marathon runners are considered continuous data because they can assume any value within a range and are measured to a fine degree of precision.
Step-by-step explanation:
The blood pressures of runners in the New York marathon represent continuous data. Continuous data can assume any value within a given range and are measured rather than counted. Since blood pressure can be measured to a fine degree of precision and theoretically take on any value within the limits of human physiology, the data is most appropriately classified as continuous. Blood pressure readings might be represented as 120/80 mm Hg, but they can also include values with decimal points, such as 120.8/80.2 mm Hg, further emphasizing their continuous nature.
Continuous data is data that can take on any value within a given interval or range. In the case of blood pressure, it is measured on a continuous scale and can take on any value within a certain range, such as 80-120 mmHg. Unlike discrete data, which is limited to specific values, continuous data allows for more precise measurements and analysis.