Chapter 8, Problem 8.1E

(a)

To determine

To find: Whether the given variable is discrete or continuous.

Answer to Problem 8.1E

The given variable is discrete.

Explanation of Solution

Given:

The variable is “Number of commercials that are shown”.

A variable whose value is determined by counting is referred to as a discrete variable. A continuous variable is one whose value may be determined through measurement.

In this case, the given variable, the number of commercials shown, can be counted and does not take unrounded values. Thus, it can be considered an example of a discrete random variable.

Therefore, the variable is a discrete variable.

(b)

To determine

To find: The given variable is discrete or continuous.

Answer to Problem 8.1E

The given variable is continuous.

Explanation of Solution

The given variable is the length which is noted in seconds. The variable's length can take any value within a certain range. The length of the commercial cannot be counted; it takes unrounded values. Thus, it can be considered a continuous random variable.

Therefore, the variable is continuous.

(c)

To determine

To find: The given variable is discrete or continuous.

Answer to Problem 8.1E

The given variable is discrete.

Explanation of Solution

In this case, the given variable is the number of accidents recorded. The variable can only have two values that can be counted and do not take unrounded values. Thus, it can be considered an example of a discrete random variable.

Therefore, the variable is discrete.

(d)

To determine

To find: The given variable is discrete or continuous.

Answer to Problem 8.1E

The given variable is discrete.

Explanation of Solution

In this case, the given variable is whether the rain is predicted. The variable can only have two values that can be counted and do not take unrounded values. Thus, it can be considered an example of a discrete random variable.

Therefore, the variable is discrete.