Random Variable

Definition: A random variable is a function that associates a real number with each
element in the sample space.

• We shall use a capital letter, say X, to denote a random variable and its corresponding
small letter, x in this case, for one of its values.

• Here, in this example, the random variable X denotes the outcomes obtained
when a dice is rolled and X can take the values 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
 Types of Random Variables

1. Discrete Random Variable: A random variable is called discrete random

variable if its set of possible outcomes is countable.
Example: Number of defective items, Number of dead/alive, etc.

2. Continuous Random Variable: When a random variable can take on values

on a continuous scale, it is called continuous random variable.
Example: Heights, Weights, Number of real numbers between 1 to 5,
Temperature, etc.
 Some More Examples of Random Variables
Examples of Discrete Random Variable:

1.

2.
 Examples of Continuous Random Variable:

1.

2.
 Discrete Probability Distributions
Probability Mass Function

Definition:

Cumulative Distribution Function

Definition:
Some Properties of Cumulative Distribution Function
Examples for Finding Probability Mass Functions and Cumulative Distribution Functions
for Discrete Random Variable
Question:

Solution:
Let X be a random variable whose values x are the possible number of defective items purchase by the school.
So, x can take values 0, 1 and 2. We have to find the probability distribution for the umber of defectives.
That is, f(0), f(1) and f(2).
Question:

Also, find determine the cumulative distribution function of the random variable M.

Solution: Next slides

Solution: Contd… How cdf is coming (explanation)??