Question

Determine whether the function rule models discrete data, continuous data, or neither. A hardware store sells bolts for $.35 apiece. The function C(p) = 0.35p relates the total cost of the bolts to the number p purchased.

Answer 1

The given function is:

                                                   C(p) = 0.95p

Where p represents the number of bolts purchased. We can calculate the cost based on the number of bolts purchased.

An important distinction between discrete and continuous data is that the continuous data is measured while discrete data is calculated or counted. Since we are obtaining the data by calculation, it must be discrete data.

The function can take on only specific values. For example for p=0, C is 0 and for p=1 the value of C is 0.95. The function cannot take any value in between 0 and 0.95. This is a characteristic of discrete function. A continuous function can take all possible values in an interval. 

Therefore, the answer to this question is: The Function models discrete data.