Q.Distinguish between a discrete variable and a continuous variable, giving two examples of each.

The distinction between discrete and continuous variables decides how a frequency distribution is built.

A variable is a numerically measurable characteristic. It is of two kinds.

Discrete variable. Can take only certain separate (usually whole-number) values, with gaps between them — you cannot have an in-between value. Examples: the number of children in a family (2 or 3, never 2.5); the number of workers in a factory; the number of cars sold in a day.

Continuous variable. Can take any value within a range, including fractions and decimals, with no gaps. Examples: the height of students (165.4 cm); the weight of a parcel; a person's income; temperature.

A common error is calling income or marks 'discrete' because they are often recorded as whole numbers — income is inherently continuous (it can take any value, e.g. ₹12,345.75). Judge by whe …