· A variable whose values are determined by the outcomes of a random experiment is called a random variable. A random variable is a discrete random variable if it can assume values, which are finite or countable infinite. For example, tossing of a die is a random experiment and its outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 are discrete random variable. When a coin is tossed, its outcomes head and tail are discrete random variable. Three coins are thrown; the number of heads is example of discrete random variable. Note that the outcomes need ot be integers or even numbers (eg colour of eyes).
· If a random variable can assume every possible value in an interval [a, b], a< b, where a and b may be - infinity and + infinity respectively, for example, the points on number line between 0 and 1; Value of 'x' between 0 and 2; Number of heads on a coin when it is tossed infinite times.
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A discrete random variable (RV) can only take a selected number of values whereas a continuous rv can take infinitely many.
A continuous variable is a variable for which all possible representations are valid. A discrete variable is a variable for which only some representations are valid. Discontinuous variables apply to data sets where values recorded during particular periods are missing from the set.
Continuous variable is one like temperature, and discrete variable are ones like male and female. So if you are looking at temperatures between 90 and 100 degrees, there is an infinite number of them. Say between 99 and 99.1, we have 99.05 and between that and 99 we have 99.005 etc. The variable is continuous because it can take on any value between 90 and 100. But if you are talking about gender, than it is either male of female and not continuous. Having said all this, now we define a continuous variable A continuous is one for which, within the limits the variable ranges, any value is possible. So what about time? If the variable is how long it take to read this answer, is that discrete? NO, it is continuous. A five point scale is an example of a discrete variable.
A continuous variable is one that can take any value within an interval (or a set of intervals). A discrete variable is one that can only take certain values.Some further notes:* Often a discrete variable takes integer values, but that is not necessary.* Neither discrete nor continuous variables need be limited to a finite number of possible values.* Frequently, continuous variables are continuous only in principle, and the measuring instruments or recording make them discrete. Eg your height is continuous but as soon as it is recorded as 1.75 cm or 5'9", it is made discrete.
A categorical variable (also known as a discrete variable) is one whose range is countable; e.g. the variable answ has values [yes, no, not sure]. answ is a categorical variable with range 3.A continuous variable is one which is not categorical; e.g. weight is a continuous variable which can take any value between 0 and 1000 kg (say) for a human being.