You have discrete random variables, like the one I just defined,

就像刚定义的是一个离散型随机变量
or there are also--which take on only a finite number of values--

随机变量还可以有无限种取值
and we have continuous random variables

也就是连续型随机变量
that can take on any number of values along a continuum.

随机变量可以取某一区间的一切值
Another experiment would be to mix two chemicals together

比方说做这样一个试验
and put a thermometer in and measure the temperature.

将两种化学试剂混合然后测定反应温度
That's another invention of the 1600s, by the way--

顺便说一下温度计也是十七世纪的发明
the thermometer. And they learned that concept--

那时候的人才刚刚开始理解温度的概念
perfectly natural to us--temperature.

虽然对我们来说这是个很自然的概念
But it was a new idea in the 1600s.

但在十七世纪确实是个新玩意
So anyway, that's continuous, right?

扯远了但温度是连续的对吧
When you mix two chemicals together, it could be any number,

把两种试剂混合的时候温度可以取任何值