Which of the following cannot be modeled by a continuous distribution?

• A. The weight of apples in a basket
• B. The time it takes for a computer to process a task
• C. The number of cars passing through a toll booth in one hour
• D. The height of adult males in a population

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the difference between continuous and discrete distributions: Continuous distributions model variables that can take any value within an interval, while discrete distributions model variables that take countable, distinct values.
2. Analyze each option to determine if the variable is continuous or discrete: Weight of apples can vary continuously, so it fits a continuous distribution.
3. Time taken for a computer to process a task can be measured with great precision and can take any positive value, so it is continuous.
4. The number of cars passing through a toll booth is a count of distinct events (cars), which is inherently discrete and cannot be modeled by a continuous distribution.
5. Height of adult males is a measurement that can take any value within a range, making it suitable for a continuous distribution.