Questions: For the following, indicate if a discrete or a continuous random variable provides the best definition.
The number of cars produced annually by a major manufacturer
Choose the correct answer below.
Continuous
Discrete
Transcript text: For the following, indicate if a discrete or a continuous random variable provides the best definition.
The number of cars produced annually by a major manufacturer
Choose the correct answer below.
Continuous
Discrete
Solution
Solution Steps
To determine whether the number of cars produced annually by a major manufacturer is best described by a discrete or continuous random variable, consider the nature of the data. Discrete random variables represent countable quantities, while continuous random variables represent measurable quantities that can take any value within a range. Since the number of cars is countable, it is a discrete random variable.
Step 1: Identify the Type of Random Variable
To classify the random variable in question, we analyze the description: "The number of cars produced annually by a major manufacturer." This description indicates a countable quantity, which suggests that the variable can take on distinct integer values.
Step 2: Determine Discreteness
Since the number of cars produced can only be whole numbers (e.g., 0, 1, 2, ...), it cannot take on fractional values. Therefore, this variable is not continuous, as continuous random variables can assume any value within a given range.
Step 3: Conclusion
Based on the analysis, we conclude that the number of cars produced annually is best described as a discrete random variable.
Final Answer
The answer is Discrete, thus we can express it as \\(\boxed{\text{Discrete}}\\).