Terminology. Before discussing anything about the formation of frequency distribution it is essential to know the important terms of frequency distribution which is given below:

1. Variable:

Any characteristic which varies in magnitude is called a variable of a quantity which can vary from one individual to another is called a variable or variety Quantitative characteristics such as marks, wages, sales, production, height, weight? Are variables. A variable may be of two types-discrete and continuous.

2. Discrete Variable:

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Those variables which are exact or finite and cannot express in fractions or decimals are called discrete variables. For example, chi in a family can be either 1 or 2 but cannot be 1.5, 1.75. Similarly the number of watches, pens, fans etc. is all examples of discrete variable.

3. Continuous Variable:

The variables which can be expressed in fraction decimals are called continuous variables. For example height, weight, income, marks can be expressed in fractions and thus all are continuous variables.

4. Series:

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It is a systematic arrangement of terms into an order or sequence various classified categories. It is of two types: (a) discrete series and (b) continuous series.