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Ch. 1 - Introduction to Statistics
Triola - Elementary Statistics 14th Edition
Triola14th EditionElementary StatisticsISBN: 9780137366446Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 1, Problem 1.2.33a

Countable For each of the following, categorize the nature of the data using one of these three descriptions: (1) discrete because the number of possible values is finite; (2) discrete because the number of possible values is infinite but countable; (3) continuous because the number of possible values is infinite and not countable.
a. Exact lengths of the feet of members of the band the Monkees

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1
Understand the concept of discrete and continuous data. Discrete data can be counted and has distinct values, while continuous data can take any value within a range and is measured.
Consider the nature of the data: 'Exact lengths of the feet of members of the band the Monkees'. Length is a measurement that can take any value within a range, such as centimeters or inches.
Recognize that measurements like length are typically continuous because they can be infinitely divided into smaller units (e.g., 25.1 cm, 25.12 cm, etc.).
Continuous data is characterized by the ability to take on any value within a given interval, making it infinite and not countable.
Conclude that the exact lengths of the feet are continuous data because they can take any value within a range and are not countable.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Discrete Data

Discrete data refers to data that can take on a finite number of values. This type of data is often countable, such as the number of students in a classroom or the number of cars in a parking lot. Discrete data can also be infinite but still countable, like the number of times a coin is flipped until it lands on heads.
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Continuous Data

Continuous data represents measurements that can take on an infinite number of values within a given range. This type of data is not countable and can include any value, such as the exact height of individuals or the temperature in a room. Continuous data is typically measured rather than counted, allowing for fractions and decimals.
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Countability

Countability refers to whether a set of values can be counted or not. A set is countable if its elements can be matched one-to-one with the natural numbers, meaning it can be finite or infinite but still countable. In contrast, uncountable sets, like the real numbers, cannot be matched with natural numbers, indicating an infinite number of values that cannot be enumerated.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Discrete/Continuous Data Which of the following describe discrete data

c. The exact times that randomly selected students spend on smart phones during the preceding week

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a. Identify the sample and population.

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Textbook Question

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b. Systematic sample

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Textbook Question

Reported Versus Measured In a survey of 1046 adults conducted by Bradley Corporation, subjects were asked how often they wash their hands when using a public restroom, and 70% of the respondents said “always.”


a) Identify the sample and the population.

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Textbook Question

Simple Random Sample vs. Random Sample Refer to the definition of simple random sample here and its accompanying definition of random sample enclosed within parentheses. Determine whether each of the following is a simple random sample and a random sample.


a. In Major League Baseball, there are 30 teams, each with an active roster of 25 players. The names of the teams are printed on 30 separate index cards, the cards are shuffled, and one card is drawn. The sample consists of the 25 players on the active roster of the selected team.

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Textbook Question

Sampling Method Assume that the population consists of all students currently in your statistics class. Describe how to obtain a sample of six students so that the result is a sample of the given type.


a. Simple random sample

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