Quantity Math Example 2
Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.
Example 2
mediumExplain why 'the number of people in a room' is a discrete quantity but 'the temperature of a room' is a continuous quantity.
Solution
- 1 People come in whole numbers only: you cannot have 2.7 people. The count jumps by 1 each time — it is discrete.
- 2 Temperature can take any value on a continuous scale: , , , etc. There are no forced jumps.
- 3 Discrete quantities are counted; continuous quantities are measured.
Answer
The distinction between discrete and continuous quantities determines which mathematical tools apply: counting vs. measurement, sums vs. integrals. Real-world context always determines which type a quantity is.
About Quantity
An amount or number of something that can be measured or counted; a quantity combines a number with a unit.
Learn more about Quantity →More Quantity Examples
Example 1 easy
A recipe calls for 2 cups of flour. If you want to make 3 batches, how much flour do you need? Ident
Example 3 easyA car travels at 60 miles per hour for 2.5 hours. What quantity does [formula] represent?
Example 4 mediumCan you say which is 'more': 5 kilometers or 5 miles? What does this tell you about quantities?