Question

Classify the following as either a discrete random variable or a continuous random variable. The number of people who quit smoking in each of the last ten years.

A) Discrete
B) Continuous

Answer 1

A) Discrete

Explanation:

Continuous and Discrete Random Variable:

A discrete random variable is countable and doesn't include fractions whereas a continuous random variable can have values in a fraction. There can be an infinite number of values between two continuous values. The difference between them can be best understood using examples.

Example Discrete Variables:

Number of peoples in a shift - you cant have 2.5 or 1.2 people it can either be 3, 2 or 1

Number of people who quit smoking - 3, 10, 20 you cant have people in fractions

Example Continuous Variables:

Height of people in a survey - 5.6 feet or 6.2

Amount of milk consumed in a survey - 1.3 liters, 3 liters

Weight of people in a survey - 60 kg, 40.6 kg