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03 - Probability Distribution

The document explains random variables, distinguishing between discrete and continuous types, and outlines the construction of discrete probability distributions. It provides examples of how to determine the nature of random variables and how to calculate probabilities associated with them. Additionally, it includes guidelines for creating probability distributions and verifying their validity.

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5 views15 pages

03 - Probability Distribution

The document explains random variables, distinguishing between discrete and continuous types, and outlines the construction of discrete probability distributions. It provides examples of how to determine the nature of random variables and how to calculate probabilities associated with them. Additionally, it includes guidelines for creating probability distributions and verifying their validity.

Uploaded by

bsaf2247195
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Probability Distribution

Random Variables
A random variable x represents a numerical value associated with each outcome of a
probability distribution.

A random variable is discrete if it has a finite or countable number of possible outcomes


that can be listed.

x
0 2 4 6 8 10

A random variable is continuous if it has an uncountable number or possible outcomes,


represented by the intervals on a number line.

x
0 2 4 6 8 10
Random Variables
Example:
Decide if the random variable x is discrete or continuous.

a.) The distance you travels by a car to University

The distance your car travels is a continuous random variable because it is a


measurement that cannot be counted. (All measurements are continuous
random variables.)

b.) The number of students in a statistics class

The number of students is a discrete random variable because it can be


counted.
Discrete Probability Distributions
A discrete probability distribution lists each possible value the random variable can
assume, together with its probability. A probability distribution must satisfy the following
conditions.

In Words In Symbols
1. The probability of each value of 0  P (x)  1
the discrete random variable is
between 0 and 1, inclusive.

2. The sum of all the probabilities ΣP (x) = 1


is 1.
Constructing a Discrete Probability Distribution

Guidelines
Let x be a discrete random variable with possible outcomes x1, x2, … , xn.

1. Make a frequency distribution for the possible


outcomes.
2. Find the sum of the frequencies.
3. Find the probability of each possible outcome by
dividing its frequency by the sum of the frequencies.
4. Check that each probability is between 0 and 1 and
that the sum is 1.
Constructing a Discrete Probability Distribution

Example:
The spinner below is divided into two sections. The probability of landing on the 1 is 0.25.
The probability of landing on the 2 is 0.75. Let x be the number the spinner lands on.
Construct a probability distribution for the random variable x.

1
x P (x )
1 0.25 Each probability is
2 between 0 and 1.
2 0.75

The sum of the probabilities is 1.


Constructing a Discrete Probability Distribution

Example:
The spinner below is spun two times. The probability of landing on the 1 is 0.25. The
probability of landing on the 2 is 0.75. Let x be the sum of the two spins. Construct a
probability distribution for the random variable x.

The possible sums are 2, 3, and 4.

1 P (sum of 2) = 0.25  0.25 = 0.0625

Spin a 1 on “and” Spin a 1 on the


2
the first spin. second spin.

Continued.
Constructing a Discrete Probability Distribution

Example continued:

P (sum of 3) = 0.25  0.75 = 0.1875


1
Spin a 1 on “and” Spin a 2 on the
2 the first spin. second spin.
“or”

P (sum of 3) = 0.75  0.25 = 0.1875


Sum of
P ( x)
spins, x
2 0.0625 Spin a 2 on “and” Spin a 1 on the
3 0.375 the first spin. second spin.
4 0.1875 + 0.1875 Continued.
Constructing a Discrete Probability Distribution

Example continued:

1 P (sum of 4) = 0.75  0.75 = 0.5625


2 Spin a 2 on “and” Spin a 2 on the
the first spin. second spin.

Sum of
P ( x)
spins, x
2 0.0625 Each probability is between
3 0.375 0 and 1, and the sum of the
4 0.5625 probabilities is 1.
Graphing a Discrete Probability Distribution

Example:
Graph the following probability distribution using a histogram.

Sum of P(x)
P ( x) Sum of Two Spins
spins, x 0.6
2 0.0625 0.5
3 0.375
Probability

4 0.5625 0.4

0.3

0.2

0.1
0 x
2 3 4
Sum
Discrete Probability Distribution
5
𝑥
• Show that P(X) = ; x = 0, 1, 2, … , 5 is a
32
density function.

Ans: 32/32 = 1 Yes it is a density function


• What value of K makes the following a density
function?
4
P(X) = K ; x = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4
𝑥

• Ans: K = 1/16
• Calculate the following probabilities using the
probability distribution of
5
𝑥
P(X) = ; x = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
32
a) P(x > 3)
b) P(2 <= x <= 4)

• Ans: a) 3/16 b) 25/32


• Check Whether the following is a probability distribution:
6 12
𝑥 4−𝑥
P(X) = ; x = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4
3060
• Also determine the following probabilities
a) P(x=3)
b) P(1<= x <= 3)

• Ans: a) 4/51 b) 255/306


Continuous Probability Distribution
• Check whether the following is a density function, x is a continuous
random variable.
5 + 2𝑥
𝑃 𝑥 =𝑓 𝑥 = ; 1<𝑥<4
30
• Also calculate the following probabilities.
a) P(X > 2)
b) P(2 < X < 3)

• Ans: a) 11/15 b) 1/3

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