Which type of variable best describes the number of auto accidents reported in a given month?

• A. Qualitative variable
• B. $\mathrm{Discrete} \mathrm{random} \mathrm{variable}$
• C. $\mathrm{Continuous} \mathrm{random} \mathrm{variable}$
• D. Ordinal variable

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the nature of the variable: The number of auto accidents reported in a given month is a count of occurrences, which means it can only take specific integer values (0, 1, 2, ...).
2. Recall the types of variables: Qualitative variables describe categories or qualities (like colors or types), while quantitative variables represent numerical values.
3. Distinguish between discrete and continuous variables: Discrete variables take countable values (like number of accidents), whereas continuous variables can take any value within a range (like height or time).
4. Identify the variable type: Since the number of accidents is a countable number and cannot be fractional, it is a discrete variable.
5. Confirm that it is a random variable because the number of accidents can vary from month to month and is subject to chance.