A scientist is measuring the daily temperature fluctuations in a greenhouse. On January 1st, 2022, the temperature was recorded as 20.5°C. Over the next month, the temperature varied throughout each day.

Question

Does this situation represent discrete data or continuous data?

Answer 1

This situation represents continuous data. Temperature is a continuous variable because it can take on any value within a given range, not just specific, separate values. The temperature in the greenhouse can vary in small increments and can be measured with great precision, making it continuous rather than discrete. Discrete data, on the other hand, consists of distinct, separate values (like the number of plants or the number of days), which is not applicable in this case.