To determine which of these data sets represents discrete data, we need to understand the difference between discrete and continuous data.
Discrete Data:
- Consists of distinct, separate values.
- Often countable in whole numbers.
- Examples include the number of students in a class, the number of cars in a parking lot, or the result of rolling a die.
Continuous Data:
- Can take on any value within a given range.
- Often measured and can include fractions or decimals.
- Examples include height, weight, temperature, or rainfall.
Let's analyze each option:
a) Rainfall readings during a week:
- Rainfall is measured in units like millimeters or inches.
- It can take on any value within a range and can include decimals (e.g., 10.2 mm, 15.5 mm).
- Thus, rainfall readings represent continuous data.
b) Heights of trees at a nursery:
- Height can be measured and can include fractions of units (e.g., 153.5 cm, 200.7 cm).
- Heights can vary within a range, making this continuous data.
c) Weights of potatoes in a sack:
- Weight is also measured and can include decimals (e.g., 1.2 kg, 2.7 kg).
- Weights can vary continuously within a range, so this represents continuous data.
d) The result of a single die roll:
- The possible outcomes are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6.
- These are distinct, separate numbers and countable.
- Thus, the result of a die roll is discrete data.
By analyzing each option, we find that the data set that represents discrete data is:
d) The result of a single die roll
