Question

determine whether the following value is a continuous random variable, discrete random variable, or not a random variable.
a. the number of people with blood type b in a random sample of 47 people
b. the usual mode of transportation of people in city a
c. the time required to upload a file to the internet
d. the time it takes to drive from city a to city b
e. the time it takes for a light - bulb to burn out
f. the weight of a hamburger

a. is the number of people with blood type b in a random sample of 47 people a discrete random variable, continuous random variable, or not a random variable?
a. it is a discrete random variable
b. it is a continuous random variable
c. it is not a random variable

Explanation:

• a. The number of people is countable. So it's a discrete random variable.
• b. The mode of transportation is a categorical variable, not a random variable in the sense of numerical random variables we are classifying here.
• c. Time to upload a file can take any value within an interval, so it's a continuous random variable.
• d. Time to drive between cities can take any value within an interval, so it's a continuous random variable.
• e. Time for a light - bulb to burn out can take any value within an interval, so it's a continuous random variable.
• f. The weight of a hamburger can take any value within an interval, so it's a continuous random variable.

Answer:

a. A. It is a discrete random variable
b. Not a random variable in the relevant sense
c. Continuous random variable
d. Continuous random variable
e. Continuous random variable
f. Continuous random variable