I know this is the most ridiculous question all evening, but what is the difference between...?

Question

a discrete function and a continous one?

I'm really not all good with math terms, so please help me by using simple English, that a sixth grader would understand.

Answer 1

Discrete data is data which can only take certain values, for instance shoe size - can be 5,6,7, 5 1/2 , 6 1/2 but cant be for instance 5.2 or 5.3.

Continuous Data can take any value, for instance weight of an elephant.

More Complex explanation :

When all the possible values in a data set can be counted the data is discrete. On the other hand, when the data has a "level of precision", based on the accuracy of some measurement, the data is continuous.

For example, the number of people in a room is discrete; 12, 15, 7, 9, 100. There are no partial people. Discrete data is based on counting.

Continuous data is usually collected by measuring. The speed of a car accelerating from a stop light changes continuously until the car reaches full speed. If you measured the speed exactly five seconds after the car started moving, the value would depend on the accuracy of the instrument used to make the measurement. It could be 35 mph, 35.1, 35.15, 35.1522356, and so on

-Dexter

Answer 2

The picture below will help.  

Continuous functions are connected.

Discrete functions are disconnected; each value is separate.

For example, imagine graphing the temperature over a certain time period.  A continuous graph would show the temperature at every single time period.  A discrete graph would show the temperature at discrete (separate) times, say 10am, 11am, 12pm, etc.

A continuous function is smooth, like a line or a curve.

A discrete frunction shows individual points (like a scatter plot).

Answer 3

ok. so a discrete function is one that has a SET value - like 1,2,3,4,5 etc...or the number of cars in a car park, say. or the number of students in a class.

a continuous value is something that could be in between two boundaries - like a person's height or weight.

hope that helps!

Answer 4

discrete=ending

continuous=neverending