Question

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

The numbers of countries in the world in different years Choose the correct answer below. 

A. The data are continuous because the data can take on any value in an interval. 

B. The data are continuous because the data can only take on specific values. 

C. The data are discrete because the data can only take on specific values. 

D. The data are discrete because the data can take on any value in an interval

A particular country has 55 total states. If the areas of all 55 states are added and the sum is divided by 55, the result is 200,132 square kilometers. Determine whether this result is a statistic or a parameter. 

Choose the correct answer below 

A. The result is a statistic because it describes some characteristic of a sample. 

B. The result is a parameter because it describes some characteristic of a population. 

C. The result is a parameter because it describes some characteristic of a sample. 

D. The result is a statistic because it describes some characteristic of a population

Answer 1

(a)

Correct option:

C. The data are discrete because the data can only take on specific values.

EXPLANATION: Here the numbers of countries in the world in different years can take only integer values. So, it is discrete.

(b)

Correct option:

B.. The result is a parameter because it describes some characteristic of a population.

EXPLANATION:

Here the area of all 55 states are added and the sum is divided by 55. The result is 200.132 squares kilometer. This represents the characteristic of population because no sample is considered in this situation.