Determine whether the random variable is discrete or continuous. In each case, state the possible values of the random variable
. (a) The number of free dash throw attempts before the first shot is made. (b) The distance a baseball travels in the air after being hit. (a) Is the number of free dash throw attempts before the first shot is made discrete or continuous?
Discrete data are the data whose value can be expressed in whole number. They cannot take all the values within an interval.
Discrete variables are usually counted than measured.
Continuous variable can be expressed in the form of decimals. They can take any value within an interval.
Continuous variables are usually measured than counted.
(a) The number of free dash throw attempts before the first shot is made.
Since the number of shots made will always be expressed in whole numbers and the number of shots made will counted and not measured. Thus, number of free dash throw attempts before the first shot is made. is a discrete variable.
(b) The distance a baseball travels in the air after being hit.
The distance is a continuous variable as its value can be expressed in decimals. Also distance is always measured and not counted. Thus, distance a baseball travels in the air after being hit is a continuous variable.
