Question

A question that I struggled with is listed below. I understand that in the forest there is a vast number of trees, but I thought they could be counted, not easily, but could definitely be counted.  Typically, once I go back to the chapter and review data on a question that I’ve missed I can see why I would have gotten the answer wrong but after re-reading the definition of continuous and discrete data I am still confused. If trees in the forest are not countable then I am wrong.   

Per the chapter: “Discrete data result when the data values are quantitative and the number of vales is finite, or “countable (pg. 15)”.

Continuous (numerical) data result from the infinitely many possible quantitative values, where the collection of values is not countable (pg. 15)”.  

Question:

State whether the data described below are discrete or continuous, and explain why.  

The heights of trees in a forest.  

I chose: The data are discrete because the data can only take on specific values.  

The correct answer: The data are continuous because the data can take on any value in an interval.  

Please explain to me why. Thanks!

Answer 1

A discrete variable is a variable whose value is obtained by counting.

A continuous variable is a variable whose value is obtained by measuring (can take on uncountably infinitely many values)

HERE question is about the height of tress, not the number of trees

The heights of trees in a forest

and height is a measurable quantity not countable

and height acn take any value ( in inches, like 5.9 , 7.68 , 6.88 , 5.33333)

..............

thanks

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