Determine whether the situation calls for a discrete or continuous random variable.
A)the cost of a random selected orange
B)the Ph level of shampoo
To determine whether the situation calls for a discrete or continuous random variable, we need to understand the characteristics of each.
A discrete random variable is one that can only take on specific, distinct values. These values are often counted or finite. For example, the number of students in a class, the number of cars in a parking lot, or the number of heads obtained when flipping a coin multiple times are all discrete random variables.
On the other hand, a continuous random variable can take on any value within a given range. These values are typically measured and can be infinitely divided. For example, temperature, height, weight, or time are continuous random variables.
Now let's apply this understanding to the provided situations:
A) The cost of a randomly selected orange: In this scenario, the cost of an orange can take on any value within a range (e.g., $0.50, $0.75, $1.00, etc.). Therefore, the cost of a randomly selected orange is an example of a continuous random variable.
B) The pH level of shampoo: Similarly, the pH level of shampoo can take on any value within a given range (e.g., pH 4, pH 5, pH 6, etc.). Therefore, the pH level of shampoo is also an example of a continuous random variable.
In summary, both situations involve continuous random variables.