Question

Determine whether the random variable is discrete or continuous. In each​ case, state the possible values of the random variable. ​(a) The number of customers arriving at a bank between noon and 1 : 00 P.M.. ​(b) The square footage of a house.

Answer 1

a) Discrete: 11, 20, 28 people

b) Continuous: 1245.46, 2562, 2896.12 sq.ft.

Explanation:

The variable is continuous if it can take any value between an interval (for example the temperature of a room), and is discrete if it can only take certain values usually these values are only the integers (for example the number of workers in a factory).

a) It is a discrete variable because you can't have a half a person or the 0.75 a person arriving at the bank, you can have 11 people that arrive at the bank, or 20 people, any integer and positive number.

b) It is a continuous variable, you can have the square footage of 1315.38 sq. ft. or 2822.14 sq.ft.