Answer:
A. Discrete
Explanation:
We have been given a statement as: The number of calls received between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. by a technical support professional. We are asked to determine whether the variable is discrete or continuous.
We know that discrete variable is a variable that can take on finite number of values. An example of discrete variable is performance rated fro 1 to 5 scale.
Discrete variable takes independent values.
The continuous variable is a variable that has an infinite number of values between any two values. Examples of continuous variable are: Time spent in waiting, water consumed etc.
Since the number of calls received between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. by a technical support professional is quantitative and independent, therefore, the given variable is discrete.