Solution to the Gender Population Question

∞
The expected value of the number of girls in each family is ∑ np(n) where p(n) is the
n =1
probability that n girls are born before a boy is born. Since the probability that a baby is a
1
particular gender is 1/2, p (n ) = n +1 . Thus the expected value is given by
2
n +1 n
∞
1 1 ∞ 1
E = ∑n   = ∑n  
n =1  2  2 n =1  2 
∞
x
This can be evaluated in closed form by using the formula ∑ nx n = , which is
n =1 (1 − x ) 2
derived in the infinite series section of most any calculus book. Substituting ½ for x, we
n
∞
1
get ∑ n   = 2 and so E = 1. Since every family ends up with one boy, the expected
n =1  2 
value of the number of boys is 1, and the expected ratio of girls to total children is 1/2.