Question

determine whether the value is a discrete random variable, continuous random variable, or not a random variable.
a. the number of textbook authors now sitting at a computer
b. the height of a randomly selected giraffe
c. the political party affiliation of adults in the united states
d. the weight of a t - bone steak
e. the square footage of a house
f. the amount of snowfall in december in city a

a. is the number of textbook authors now sitting at a computer a discrete random variable, a continuous random variable, or not a random variable?
a. it is a discrete random variable.
b. it is a continuous random variable.
c. it is not a random variable

Explanation:

Step1: Recall definitions

Discrete random variables take on a countable number of distinct values. Continuous random variables can take on any value in an interval. Non - random variables have a fixed or non - random nature.

Step2: Analyze part a

The number of textbook authors sitting at a computer can be counted (0, 1, 2, etc.), so it is a discrete random variable.

Step3: Analyze part b

The height of a randomly selected giraffe can take on any value within a range (e.g., 4.52 meters, 5.111 meters), so it is a continuous random variable.

Step4: Analyze part c

The political party affiliation is a categorical variable, not a numerical random variable (discrete or continuous). It is not a random variable in the sense of numerical random variables.

Step5: Analyze part d

The weight of a T - bone steak can take on any value within a range (e.g., 0.234 kg, 0.567 kg), so it is a continuous random variable.

Step6: Analyze part e

The square footage of a house can take on any non - negative real value within a range, so it is a continuous random variable.

Step7: Analyze part f

The amount of snowfall in December in City A can take on any non - negative real value within a range (e.g., 10.2 cm, 15.67 cm), so it is a continuous random variable.

Answer:

a. A. It is a discrete random variable.
b. It is a continuous random variable.
c. It is not a random variable.
d. It is a continuous random variable.
e. It is a continuous random variable.
f. It is a continuous random variable.