Numerical variables are a fundamental concept in statistics and data analysis, representing quantities that can be measured and expressed as numbers. They are divided into two main types: discrete and continuous variables. Discrete variables can take on a finite number of values, such as the count of items or occurrences, while continuous variables can assume an infinite range of values within a given interval, such as height or weight. Understanding numerical variables is crucial for performing statistical analyses, as they allow for meaningful comparisons and calculations, enabling researchers to derive insights from data effectively.