Discrete vs Continuous Math Example 3
Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.
Example 3
easyWhich type of graph is appropriate for each: (a) the number of cars sold each month (bar chart or line graph with any real -values?), (b) the speed of a car over a journey?
Solution
- 1 (a) Cars sold per month is a count — discrete. A bar chart (one bar per month, gaps between bars) is appropriate. A line graph could mislead by implying values between months.
- 2 (b) Speed over time is continuous — the car's speed can take any real value at any instant. A continuous line graph (speed vs. time) is appropriate.
Answer
(a) Bar chart (discrete); (b) Continuous line graph.
Graph choice should match the nature of the data. Discrete data uses separated bars or dots; continuous data uses a smooth connected curve. Using a continuous graph for discrete data can imply non-existent values.
About Discrete vs Continuous
The distinction between quantities that take separate, distinct values (discrete, like number of students) and quantities that can take any value in a range (continuous, like height or temperature).
Learn more about Discrete vs Continuous →More Discrete vs Continuous Examples
Example 1 easy
Classify each quantity as discrete or continuous, and explain: (a) number of students in a class, (b
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