Question

state whether the data described below are discrete or continuous, and explain why
the numbers of ingredients in different recipes

choose the correct answer below.
a. the data are continuous because the data can take on any value in an interval.
b. the data are discrete because the data can only take on specific values.
c. the data are continuous because the data can only take on specific values.
d. the data are discrete because the data can take on any value in an interval.

Explanation:

To determine if the data (numbers of ingredients in recipes) is discrete or continuous:

• Discrete data consists of distinct, countable values (e.g., whole numbers like 1, 2, 3... for ingredients).
• Continuous data can take any value in an interval (e.g., measurements like height, weight with decimals).

The number of ingredients must be a whole number (specific values, not any value in an interval). So the data is discrete, matching option B.

Answer:

B. The data are discrete because the data can only take on specific values.