Alexandria University 3rd Year Power – Oct.

2016
Faculty of Engineering Probability and Statistics

Sheet 1
Sample Spaces and Events

Question (1):
Provide a reasonable description of the sample space for each of the following random
experiments.
(a) Each of three machined parts is classified as either above or below the target specification for
the part.
(b) In the final inspection of power supplies, three types of non-conformities might occur:
functional, minor, or cosmetic. A power supply is inspected and classified.
(c) In the manufacturing of digital recording tape, electronic testing is used to record the number of
bits in error in 350-foot reel.
(d) An ammeter that displays three digits is used to measure current in milli-ampere.

Question (2):
Provide a reasonable description of the sample space for each of the following random
experiments.
(a) Each of 4 transmitted bits is classified as either in error or not.
(b) The time of a chemical reaction is recorded to the nearest milli-second.
(c) Calls are repeatedly placed to a busy phone line until a connection is achieved.

Question (3):
Three bits are transmitted over a digital communication channel. Each bit is either distorted or
received without distortion. Let Ai denote the event that the ith bit is distorted, i = 1,2,3.
(a) Describe the sample space for this experiment.
(b) Are the Ai's mutually exclusive?
(c) Describe the outcomes in each of the following events: A1, A1', A1 ∩ A2 ∩ A3 ,
(A1 ∩ A2)  A3.

Question (4):
The rise time of a reactor is measured in minutes (and fractions of minutes). Let the sample space
for the rise time of each batch be positive, real numbers. Consider the rise times of two batches.
Let A denote the event that the rise time of batch 1 is less than 72.5 minutes and let event B denote
the event that the rise time of batch 2 is greater than 52.5. Describe the sample space for the rise
time of two batches and show each of the following events on a 2-D plot: A , B', A ∩ B, A  B.

Question (5):
A sample of two circuit boards is selected from a batch. Describe the sample space for each of the
following batches:
(a) The batch contains 90 boards that are not defective, 8 with minor defects and 2 boards with
major defects.
(b) The batch contains 90 boards that are not defective, 9 with minor defects and 1 board with
major defects.

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Question (6):
Samples of a cast aluminum part are classified on basis of surface finish (in micro-inches) and
edge finish. The results of 100 parts are summarized as follows:
edge finish
excellent good
surface excellent 80 2
finish good 10 8

(a) Let A denote the event that a sample has excellent surface finish and let B denote the event that
a sample has excellent edge finish. Determine the number of samples in B', A' ∩ B, A  B.
(b) Assume that each of two samples is to be classified, use a tree diagram to represent the possible
outcomes of this experiment.

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