Let's go through each part of the question and determine whether the data is
discrete or
continuous, then explain why.
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Definitions:
-
Discrete data: Data that can only take specific, separate values. Usually counts of things (e.g., number of people, number of seats).
-
Continuous data: Data that can take any value within a range. It can be measured to any degree of precision (e.g., height, time, weight).
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Now let’s analyze each item:
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(a) The length
- Length can be measured in decimals (e.g., 4.5 meters, 4.567 meters). It can take any value within a range.
-
✔ Continuous
> ✔️ Put a cross in
Continuous
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(b) The time taken to repair each car
- Time can be measured in hours, minutes, seconds, milliseconds, etc. It can vary continuously.
- For example: 2.3 hours, 2.345 hours — it’s not restricted to whole numbers.
-
✔ Continuous
> ✔️ Put a cross in
Continuous
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(c) The number of seats
- This is a count. A car can have 2, 4, 5, 7 seats — but not 4.5 seats.
- Only whole numbers are possible.
-
✔ Discrete
> ✔️ Put a cross in
Discrete
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(d) The number of gears
- Gears are counted: 4-speed, 6-speed, 8-speed, etc.
- You can't have 5.3 gears — it must be a whole number.
-
✔ Discrete
> ✔️ Put a cross in
Discrete
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(e) The number of miles per gallon (MPG)
- MPG is a measurement that can take any value within a range (e.g., 25.3 mpg, 25.34 mpg, etc.)
- It can be measured with high precision.
-
✔ Continuous
> ✔️ Put a cross in
Continuous
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Final Answers:
(a) The length
Discrete [ ]
Continuous [X]
(b) The time taken to repair each car
Discrete [ ]
Continuous [X]
(c) The number of seats
Discrete [X] Continuous [ ]
(d) The number of gears
Discrete [X] Continuous [ ]
(e) The number of miles per gallon
Discrete [ ]
Continuous [X]
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✔ Summary:
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Discrete: (c), (d)
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Continuous: (a), (b), (e)
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Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of discrete vs continuous data worksheet.
