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Difference Between Discrete Data and Continuous Data
Discrete and continuous data are a part of statistical analysis. Businesses have to measure the quantitative data which helps them to know about the products and services that they are providing. In this article, we will discuss the difference between discrete data and continuous data which are quantitative.
What is Discrete Data?
Discrete data is a type of data which is limited to only certain types of values. The number of values is limited and is in the form of integers or whole numbers. These values belong to those categories which cannot be further broken down.
Uses of Discrete Data
Discrete data has many uses in many industries and we will discuss some of them here.
- Manufacturing ? This is an industry in which there are different items which workers have to count. They also have to check the quality through quality tests and determine whether a product has passed or failed. The defect rates of the failed products are also measured.
- E-commerce ? Discrete values help in the management of inventory. The number of orders, number of products sold, products remaining in the inventory, etc. can be easily calculated.
- Education ? The education system is a system in which discrete values help to check the performance of each student in each class. The data can also be used to track the attendance of each student, score in exams, and many more.
- Healthcare ? Discrete data is used in the healthcare industry where workers have to keep records of patients. These records help the workers to know about the type of treatment that should be given to the patient.
What is Continuous Data?
Continuous data is a type of data in which the number of values is unlimited. There are no fixed values and the categories to which they belong can be broken down into smaller categories. Continuous data should be correct and the rightmost number can be as long as possible.
Uses of Continuous Data
The uses of continuous data are discussed here.
- Meteorology ? Continuous data can be used in meteorology in which weather-related data is needed. The data is related to temperatures, weather, humidity, etc.
- Finance ? A lot of continuous data is needed daily in the field of finance. Some of this data includes currency exchange rates, loans and interest, bank accounts, and many more.
- Environment ? Continuous data is needed by the environmentalists to see the details of the environment. They need data related to pollution levels in water and air, rate of melting ice in Antarctica, and many more.
- Physics ? The research done in physics needs continuous data related to mass, voltage, pressure, temperature, and many more. This helps in the development of new technologies.
Difference between Discrete Data and Continuous Data
Discrete data and continuous data have a lot of differences which can be found in the table below.
| Discrete Data | Continuous data |
|---|---|
| The number of values is limited and belongs to a few categories. | The number of values is unlimited and their measurement is done according to a certain range. |
| The information provided by the discrete data shows gaps between values which can be easily noticed. | The information in the continuous data is available as a continuous series. |
| Discrete data consists of distinct values only. | Continuous data can have any type of value. |
| Discrete data can be counted easily. | Continuous data can be quantified. |
| Discrete data can be shown in a bar graph. | Continuous data can be displayed with the help of a histogram. |
| Discrete data consists of finite intervals. | Continuous data consists of infinite intervals. |
| Tabulation is known as ungrouped frequency distribution. | Tabulation is known as grouped frequency distribution. |
| The values in discrete data are integers and ordinal. | The values in continuous data include fractions, decimals, and percentages. |
| It is indivisible. | It is divisible. |
| A discrete value remains constant for a specific time interval. | Data varies at any point and values continuously change at a given point. |
Conclusion
Discrete data is a type of data in which only specific values are considered. The categories cannot be further divided into smaller ones. Continuous data can have any type of value and the categories can be divided into smaller ones. Discrete data consists of integer values while continuous data consists of decimals, fractions, etc.
FAQs on Discrete Data Vs. Continuous Data
1. Which type of data has constant values?
Discrete data consists of constant values which cannot be changed. Continuous data consists of different types of values which are changed or can be changed.
2. Which type of data cannot be divided into small categories?
Discrete data cannot be divided into small categories but this is not the case with continuous data. It can be divided into smaller categories if needed.
3. What types of graphs are used to display discrete data and continuous data?
Discrete data is shown in the bar graph while continuous data is shown in the histogram.
4. Where is continuous data used?
Continuous data is used in the following fields ?
- Meteorology
- Finance
- Environment
- Physics
5. Where is discrete data used?
Discrete data is used in the following fields ?
- Manufacturing
- E-commerce
- Education
- Healthcare
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