What is a Random Variable?
A random variable is a variable whose possible values are numerical outcomes of a random phenomenon. There are two main types of random variables:
- Discrete Random Variable: Can take on a countable number of values, like the roll of a dice.
- Continuous Random Variable: Can take on an infinite number of values within a given range, like the exact time it takes for a frog to jump a certain distance.
Example
Consider a simple experiment where you flip a coin. The outcome is random, and you could define a random variable X to represent the result: 0 for tails and 1 for heads.
Application in Real Life
Random variables are used in a variety of fields such as economics, biology, engineering, and of course, the world of lovely frogs! Scientists might use random variables to study the distribution and behavior of various frog species in a pond.
Learn more about how frogs jump by visiting Frog Movements.