In each case, determine whether the situation calls for a discrete or continuous random variables and explain your answer.

What cases?

Is the cost of a random orange discrete or continuous?

Math

To determine if a situation calls for a discrete or continuous random variable, let's start by understanding the characteristics of each.

A discrete random variable is one that can only take on specific, separate values. These values are typically whole numbers or integers. Examples of discrete random variables include the number of children a family has, the number of heads obtained when flipping a coin multiple times, or the number of cars sold in a day.

On the other hand, a continuous random variable can take on any value within a certain range. It is not limited to specific, separate values. Examples of continuous random variables include temperature, weight, or time.

Now, let's apply this understanding to your question by considering some situations:

1. The number of students in a class: This situation calls for a discrete random variable since the number of students can only take on whole number values.

2. The time it takes for a bus to arrive at a stop: This situation calls for a continuous random variable since the time can take on any value within a certain range. It can be 5 minutes, 5.5 minutes, or any other decimal value.

3. The height of individuals in a population: This situation also calls for a continuous random variable since height can take on any value within a certain range, even including decimal values.

In summary, situations that involve counting or whole number values usually call for a discrete random variable, while situations involving measurement or continuous values call for a continuous random variable.