6.1: Two types of Random Variables

Question 1

What is a random variable?

Answer 1

A random variable is a numerical value determined by the outcome of an experiment, assigning a unique numerical value to each experimental outcome.

Question 2

What is a discrete random variable?

Answer 2

A discrete random variable has a countable number of possible values, either finite or infinite in a sequence, such as the number of customers making a purchase.

Question 3

Give an example of a discrete random variable

Answer 3

The number of TVs in a sample of 8 that have not needed a repair, where x can be 0 to 8, is a discrete random variable.

Question 4

What is a continuous random variable?

Answer 4

A continuous random variable can assume any numerical value in an interval or collection of intervals and has an infinite number of possible values.

Question 5

Give an example of a continuous random variable.

Answer 5

The mileage of a car, where any value between two numbers on a real line can occur, is a continuous random variable.