Quick Answer
The answer is the number of stops. This is correct because a discrete variable takes on a countable number of distinct, separate values, typically whole numbers, and cannot be meaningfully subdivided. The number of stops a truck makes is a count—0, 1, 2, 3—and you cannot have 2.5 stops, making it a classic example of a discrete variable in data analysis. On the CompTIA Data+ DA0-001 exam, this concept tests your ability to distinguish between countable data and continuous measurements, such as delivery time or distance, which can take any value within a range. A common trap is confusing counts with continuous data, so remember the memory tip: if you can count it on your fingers, it’s discrete; if you need a ruler, it’s continuous.
This DA0-001 practice question tests your understanding of comparing and contrasting data concepts. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A logistics company is analyzing truck delivery times. Which variable is discrete?
Number of stops
Correct. The number of stops is a count and therefore discrete.
Time taken in hours
Why wrong: Incorrect. Time is continuous.
Fuel consumption in liters
Why wrong: Incorrect. Fuel consumption is measured on a continuous scale.
Distance traveled
Why wrong: Incorrect. Distance is a continuous measurement.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Number of stops
A discrete variable is one that takes on a countable number of distinct values, often integers. The number of stops a truck makes is a count (e.g., 0, 1, 2, 3) and cannot be a fraction, making it a classic discrete variable in data analysis.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Number of stops
Why this is correct
Correct. The number of stops is a count and therefore discrete.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Time taken in hours
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Time is continuous.
Fuel consumption in liters
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Fuel consumption is measured on a continuous scale.
Distance traveled
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Distance is a continuous measurement.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates confuse 'recorded as an integer' with 'discrete'—for example, thinking distance in whole kilometers is discrete, when the underlying measurement scale is continuous.
Detailed technical explanation
In data analytics, discrete variables are often derived from counting processes (e.g., number of stops, number of packages), while continuous variables arise from measurements. A subtle behavior: even if a continuous variable is recorded as an integer (e.g., rounding distance to whole kilometers), it remains conceptually continuous because the underlying measurement scale is continuous. In real-world logistics, treating a continuous variable as discrete can lead to incorrect statistical modeling, such as using Poisson regression on distance instead of linear regression.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the DA0-001 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
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FAQ
Comparing and Contrasting Data Concepts — This question tests Comparing and Contrasting Data Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Number of stops — A discrete variable is one that takes on a countable number of distinct values, often integers. The number of stops a truck makes is a count (e.g., 0, 1, 2, 3) and cannot be a fraction, making it a classic discrete variable in data analysis.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This DA0-001 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the DA0-001 exam.
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