Discrete vs. Continuous
The graphs below both represent the same data for Facebook. Which representation is better? Are both representations correct?
The graphs below both represent the same data for Facebook. Which representation is better? Are both representations correct?
When you plot points on a graph for a function, should you connect the points or not? The answer to this question depends on the type of domain that the function has.
Here are two definitions that you need for this investigation:
Based on these definitions, choose whether the domain of the function in the following examples is discrete or continuous.
Here are two definitions that you need for this investigation:
- A discrete function has individual and separated values, the values of the domain may be 'counted' individually.
- A continuous function contains an infinite, uncountable number of values despite the range of the domain, as there is no separation between values.
Based on these definitions, choose whether the domain of the function in the following examples is discrete or continuous.
Quick Check
1) The amount of money in a person's bank account each day.
2) The age of students taking an Algebra class.
Quick Check Solutions
1) The amount of money in a person's bank account each day.
2) The age of students taking an Algebra class.
Quick Check Solutions
Identify whether the following functions are either discrete or continuous:
1) The Earth's population each year over the last ten years.
2) A person's height from ages 13 to 18.
3) The number of text messages that a high school student receives in a day.
4) The weight of a puppy from three to six months of age.
5) The equation \( f(i) = 2.54i \) can be used to convert inches into centimeters.
6) The graph:
1) The Earth's population each year over the last ten years.
2) A person's height from ages 13 to 18.
3) The number of text messages that a high school student receives in a day.
4) The weight of a puppy from three to six months of age.
5) The equation \( f(i) = 2.54i \) can be used to convert inches into centimeters.
6) The graph:
7) The graph below:
8) The table shows the temperature in a car over time.
\( \begin{array}{|c|c|c|c|c|} \hline \textbf{Time} & 8:00 & 8:30 & 9:00 & 10:00 & 12:00 & 12:30 \\ \hline \textbf{Temp (F)} & 71 & 71 & 74 & 80 & 84 & 88 \\ \hline \end{array}\)
9) The table shows the amount of money charged for roaming charges per minute on a cell phone plan.
\( \begin{array}{|c|c|c|c|c|} \hline \textbf{Minutes} & 2 & 5 & 7 & 11 & 25 \\ \hline \textbf{Charge ( \$ )} & 0.78 & 1.95 & 2.73 & 4.29 & 9.75 \\ \hline \end{array}\)
10) Give an example of a continuous function and explain why it is continuous.
11) Give an example of a discrete function and explain why it is discrete.
\( \begin{array}{|c|c|c|c|c|} \hline \textbf{Time} & 8:00 & 8:30 & 9:00 & 10:00 & 12:00 & 12:30 \\ \hline \textbf{Temp (F)} & 71 & 71 & 74 & 80 & 84 & 88 \\ \hline \end{array}\)
9) The table shows the amount of money charged for roaming charges per minute on a cell phone plan.
\( \begin{array}{|c|c|c|c|c|} \hline \textbf{Minutes} & 2 & 5 & 7 & 11 & 25 \\ \hline \textbf{Charge ( \$ )} & 0.78 & 1.95 & 2.73 & 4.29 & 9.75 \\ \hline \end{array}\)
10) Give an example of a continuous function and explain why it is continuous.
11) Give an example of a discrete function and explain why it is discrete.