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singh2010
Apr 27, 2010, 01:30 PM
On the slides I have been given it says that binomial distribution is a type of discrete distribution and uniform distribution is a type of continuous distribution.

What is the difference between discrete and uniform distribution, I know that continuous distribution have outcomes that are numerical and continuous whereas discrete is numerical and discrete.

I am kind of sure of what this means but I think I need a couple of examples for each distribution. I would appreciate it very much.

Also needing to find the mean and variance on uniform distribution has got me quite confused.

Thanks

ebaines
Apr 27, 2010, 02:40 PM
If a function is "discrete" it means that its values are limited to certain specific values and do not allow values in between those specific discrete values. For example, if you roll a dice the possible outcomes are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 - it is impossible to roll 2.7 or pi, so this a discrete function. A continuous distribution is one in which it's possible to get any value within the function's range. For example, if you plot the velocity of your car as you accelerate from 0 MPH to 10 MPH it will pass through all intermediate values on its way to the top speed - hence for a split seconds it is traveling at 1.5 MPH, or sqrt(2) MPH, or pi MPH - all such values are possible. However, if the car has a digital speedometer then all your velocity readings will be discrete - the speedometer jumps from a reading of 3 MPH to 4 MPH without ever showing pi MPH. Hope this helps.

singh2010
Apr 27, 2010, 03:25 PM
That does help a ton thank you, now just one more question. What kind of questions use these formulas as for the notes I have been given do not show me questions but just shows me the formulas.