Continuous vs. Discrete

[tomato]

Heres my problem:

Drawing on your past experience, give the range, that is, the set of values that the given random variable assumes. Also classify the random variables as discrete or continuous.

a) tensile strength of an alloy
b) # of attempts a pool player has to make to sink a ball

* For both problems I have the answer as continuous. I'm not sure if I am correct and I also do not understand how to do the first part of the problem. Any help would be great! Thanks in advance!

 

[pka]

Also classify the random variables as discrete or continuous.

This is actually an advanced question.
Discrete implies countable outcomes.
Continuous implies uncountable outcomes.
Any finite set is a countable set such as attempts to do something.
The numbers from 0 to 1, [0,1], is an uncountable set.
If we have a piece of chalk 5in long then we break it into two parts the shorter piece is any where from almost 0 to 2.5. That is uncountable.

 

[stapel]

For both problems I have the answer as continuous.

So a player can make, say, 3.52 attempts to sink the ball...?

I also do not understand how to do the first part of the problem.

The "first part" being the "drawing on your past experience"...? What experience do you have in these areas?

Thank you.

Eliz.