Question

Decide whether the random variable x is discrete or continuous. Explain your reasoning. Let x represent the temperature of a person taken with a mercury thermometer.

Answer 1

The given variable is a continuous variable.

Explanation:

We are given the following in the question:

Variable:

temperature of a person taken with a mercury thermometer

Since the temperature:

• It is measured not counted.
• Its value can be expressed in the form of a decimal number.
• Thus, it can take any value within an interval.
• Thus, temperature is a continuous variable.
• Discrete value can only be expressed in the form of whole numbers.

Thus, the given variable of temperature is continuous.