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Discrete variables are quantities that we can count. They take on distinct, separate values like whole numbers. We cannot have fractions or decimals in these values. For example, consider the number of students in a classroom. You can have 20 or 25 students, but not 20.5 students.
Another example is the number of cars in a parking lot. You could count 50 cars, but it's impossible to have 50.3 cars.

These variables are finite or countable. They have a specific number of possible values. Think of discrete variables anytime you can answer the question by counting whole numbers.

Continuous variables are measurable quantities. They can take on an infinite number of values within a given range. Think of these variables as measurements instead of countable items.

For example, height is a continuous variable. Someone can be 5.5 feet tall, 5.75 feet tall, or any other value within a range. Another example is weight. A person might weigh 150.2 pounds or 150.25 pounds.
These values can include fractions and decimals. Continuous variables are ideal for data that requires precision and are often represented graphically on a number line.
If you measured the temperature on a randomly selected day in Memphis, Tennessee, you'd find it could take on any value. It could be 75.2°F, 80.5°F, or any decimal value within a certain range. Thus, temperature is a continuous variable because it's measurable and can have endless possible values.
In summary, if a variable can be measured and includes fractional or decimal values, it is continuous.

Quantitative variables represent quantities that can be measured or counted. They are numerical and provide information about the quantity of something.

These variables can be divided into two main types: discrete and continuous.

• Discrete Variables: These involve whole numbers and represent countable things, like the number of apples in a basket.
• Continuous Variables: These are measurable quantities that can take on any value within a range. Examples include measurements like height, weight, or temperature.

Because quantitative variables can be tested and measured, they play a vital role in scientific research, economics, and many other fields.
When working with quantitative data, it's crucial to know whether the variable is discrete or continuous, as this affects the methods of analysis and representation.
Remember, if you're counting items, you are dealing with discrete variables. If you're measuring something that can take on a range of values, you're dealing with continuous variables. Understanding these concepts helps in properly analyzing and drawing conclusions from data.