Question

What is a variable? Distinguish between a discrete and a continous variable.

Answer 1

A measurable characteristic which takes different value at different points of time and in different circumstance is called a variable. Different variable vary differently and depending on the way they vary, they are broadly classified into two types.

$\begin{array}{ccc}\text{S.N}& \text{Discrete Variable}& \text{Continuous Variable}\\ \text{(i)}& \text{A discrete variable can take only whole}& \text{A continuous varible can take any}\\ & \text{numbers.}& \text{numerical value.}\\ \text{(ii)}& \text{Discrete varibles increase in finite jumps}& \text{Continuous variables can take any}\\ & \text{from one value to another and cannot}& \text{conceivable value and can be broke}\\ & \text{take any intermediate value between them.}& \text{into infinite gradations.}\\ \text{(iii)}& \text{Examples-number of workers in a factory,}& \text{Examples-height, weight, distance, etc}\\ & \text{number of residents in a colony, etc.}& \end{array}$