Which of the following exemplifies a continuous variable?

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Study for the University of Central Florida QMB3602 Business Research for Decision Making Exam 1. Prepare with detailed questions and in-depth explanations to excel in your test! Enhance your decision-making skills effectively.

A continuous variable is one that can take on an infinite number of values within a given range. This means that the variable can be measured and can have decimal values. The height of individuals is an example of a continuous variable because height can be measured to varying degrees of precision, such as 5.5 feet, 5.75 feet, or 5.9 feet, allowing for an infinite number of possible values within the range of human heights.

In contrast, the other options represent discrete variables. The number of cars in a parking lot and the number of students in a classroom can only take on whole numbers, as you cannot have a fraction of a car or a fraction of a student. Similarly, while the price of a stock can change frequently and can appear as a decimal, it is generally considered a discrete value at any given moment; stock prices are often rounded to two decimal places, making the exact representation also limited in practical terms. Thus, the height of individuals remains the clear example of a continuous variable.