How to Use Discrete vs. Continuous Data:
- Discrete data is information that can only take certain values (2, 3, 4, etc.) Not necessarily whole numbers but they are fixed values and cannot change.
- Continuous data is information that can take any value (1.4, 2.2, 6.7, 8, etc.)
Sample Math Problems
1. The number of cars sold is the x value and the cost is the y value. Is the data discrete or continuous?
Solution:
Solution:
The data is discrete because it makes no sense to sell 1.5 cars. That would be selling a whole car and then a few parts of another car.
2. The number of pounds of grapes sold is the x value and the cost is the y value. Is the data discrete or continuous?
Solution:
Solution:
The data is continuous because it makes sense to sell 1.5 pounds or 1.75 pounds. You’re still selling a whole part of a grape.
3. The number of tickets sold is the x value and the cost is the y value. Is the data discrete or continuous?
Solution:
Solution:
The data is discrete because it doesn’t make sense to sell half a ticket.
4. Age is the x value and height is the y value. Is the data discrete or continuous?
Solution:
Solution:
The data is discrete because you can’t exactly be 12.5 you haven’t completed a full year.
