What is the term for variables that can take on any value within a given range, including decimals?

The correct choice is continuous variables. Continuous variables are those that can assume an infinite number of values within a given range, meaning they can include any value, including decimals. This characteristic allows for a spectrum of measurements, such as height, weight, temperature, and time, where values can be as specific as needed and are not limited to whole numbers.

In contrast, discrete variables can only take specific, separate values (e.g., the number of students in a classroom, where one cannot have a non-integer number like 20.5). Qualitative variables are related to descriptions or categories (like colors or types of animals) and do not involve numeric values. Categorical variables also refer to a grouping criterion without a numerical aspect, such as gender or marital status. These definitions help clarify the distinctions in types of variables and strengthen the understanding of why continuous variables accurately encompass values within a range, including decimals.