COLEGIO SAN AGUSTIN-BACOLOD

BASIC EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

(ONLINE MODULE #2)

STATISTICS AND PROBABILITY

MATH 42
Instructors: Eduardo M. Bacodio Jr., LPT, MAEd
John David C. Benjamin, LPT
Karl Laurenz G. Diamante, LPT
Deo Anne V. Espinosa, LPT

SECOND SEMESTER
AY 2020 – 2021
January 25-February 3, 2021

1|Page MATH 42 – STATISTICS AND PROBABILITY (Online Module #2)

E. Bacodio, J.D. Benjamin, K.L Diamante, D.A. Espinosa
 CHAPTER 1
RANDOM VARIABLES and PROBABILITY DISTRIBUTION

LESSON
3 PROBABILITY DISTRIBUTION OF A DISCRETE RANDOM VARIABLE

LET’S GET READY

The likelihood of getting an even number in a standard deck of cards, number of winnings in a
gamble, number of heads in tossing of a coin and other game of chance can be estimated using
probability. These probabilities are not only used in these activities, but chances can also be drawn in
real – life situations such as business, economics, engineering, and other situations.

Some decisions are made by assigning probabilities to all possible outcomes pertaining to the
situation. When we draw conclusion from data, we usually state them in a form of probabilities.

WHAT DO I KNOW?
Before studying this lesson, answer the items below to find out how much you already know about
the topic covered. Encircle the letter of the best answer.
1. The sum of the probabilities of all values of the random variable is
A. ∑ 𝑃(𝑋) = 1 B. ∑ 𝑃(𝑋) = 𝑋 C. none of these

2. The list of all possible values of a discrete random variable along with their
corresponding probabilities is called a ____________________.
A. Probability of Continuous Random Variable C. Discrete Probability Distribution
B. Probability Distribution D. none of these

3. The probability of each value of a discrete random variable is ____________.

A. 0 ≤ P(X) ≥ 1
B. 0 ≥ P(X) ≥ 1
C. 0 ≤ P(X) ≤ 1
D. 1 ≤ P(X) ≥ 0

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E. Bacodio, J.D. Benjamin, K.L Diamante, D.A. Espinosa
 4. The following is an example of Discrete Probability Distribution, EXCEPT:
A. X 0 1 2 3
P(X) 0.6 0.2 0.1 0.1

B.
X 0 1 2 3
P(X) 0.4 0.2 0.3 0.1
C.
X 0 1 2 3
P(X) 0.3 0.2 0.4 0.2

D.
X 0 1 2 3
P(X) 0.2 0.5 0.2 0.1

5. A discrete random variable X has the following probability distribution:

X 0 1 2 3 4
P(X) 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.1 ?

Determine P(4).
A. 0.2 B. 0.3 C. 0.4 D. 1

What do you think about the pre-test? Do you think you did well? Compare your answers with those
in the Answer Key on the last part of this module to find out.

If all your answers are correct, excellent! This shows that you already know much about the topic.
But you may still study this module to check what you already know. Who knows, you might learn a
few more new things as well.

If you got a low score, it’s ok. This module was made to help you understand important concepts
about random variable that you can apply in your daily life. If you study this module carefully, you
will learn the answers to all the items in the test and a lot more! Are you ready? Let’s begin your
journey.

This module will help you learn how to:

• illustrate a probability distribution for a discrete random variable and its properties.
• compute probabilities corresponding to a given random variable.
• illustrate the mean and variance of a discrete random variable.
• calculate the mean and the variance of a discrete random variable.
• interpret the mean and the variance of a discrete random variable.
• solve problems involving mean and variance of probability distributions.

3|Page MATH 42 – STATISTICS AND PROBABILITY (Online Module #2)

E. Bacodio, J.D. Benjamin, K.L Diamante, D.A. Espinosa
What do you think about the pre-test? Do you think you did well? Compare your answers with those
in the Answer Key on the last part of this module to find out.

If all your answers are correct, excellent! This shows that you already know much about the topic.
But you may still study this module to check what you already know. Who knows, you might learn a
few more new things as well.

If you got a low score, it’s ok. This module was made to help you understand important concepts
about random variable that you can apply in your daily life. If you study this module carefully, you
will learn the answers to all the items in the test and a lot more! Are you ready? Let’s begin your
journey.

LET’S FOCUS

The spinner below is divided into four sections. Let X be the score where the arrow will stop
(numbered as 1, 2, 3, 4, in the drawing below).
a) Find the probability that the arrow will stop at 1, 2, 3 and 4.
b) Construct a discrete probability distribution of the random variable X.

1 2
4 3

A list of all possible values of a discrete random variable along with their corresponding probabilities
is called a discrete probability distribution. The discrete probability distribution can be presented
in tabular, graphical, or formula form.

The following properties must be satisfied before a distribution can be considered a discrete
probability distribution.
a) The probability of each value of a discrete random variable is between 0 and 1, inclusive.
0 ≤ P(X) ≤ 1

b) The sum of all the probabilities is 1.

∑ 𝑷(𝑿) = 𝟏

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E. Bacodio, J.D. Benjamin, K.L Diamante, D.A. Espinosa
Example 1. The given spinner is divided into four sections. Let X be the score where the arrow will
stop (numbered as 1, 2, 3 and 4, in the drawing below).
a) Find the probability that the arrow will stop at 1, 2, 3, and 4.
b) Construct the discrete probability distribution of the random variable X.

1 2
4 3

Solution:
Let X = the score of the spinner

1
The probability that the arrow will stop at any of the 4 divisions is 1 out of 4 or 4. Hence, the
1 1
probability of landing on 1 is 1 out of 4 or 4
. The probability of landing on 2 is 1 out of 4 or . The
4
1
probability of landing on 3 is 1 out of 4 or 4
and the probability of landing on 4 is also 1 out of 4 or
1
. These probabilities are shown below:
4

1 1 1 1
a) P(1) = 4
; P(2) = 4; P(3) = 4; P(4) = 4
b) A table similar to the following can be constructed to show the values assumed by the
discrete random variable X and its corresponding probabilities. The discrete probability
distributions is presented in tabular form below:
X 1 2 3 4
1 1 1 1
P(X)
4 4 4 4

The first property 0 ≤ P(X) ≤ 1 is met. Each of the probabilities is greater than 0 but less than 1.
The sum of all probabilities is 1.
∑ 𝑃 (𝑋 ) = 𝑃 (1) + 𝑃 (2) + 𝑃 (3) + 𝑃 (4 )
1 1 1 1
=4+4 + 4
+4
=1

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E. Bacodio, J.D. Benjamin, K.L Diamante, D.A. Espinosa
The two requirements for a discrete probability distribution are satisfied. Therefore, the distribution is
a discrete probability distribution.

Example 2.
X 0 1 2 3
P(X) 0.3 0.4 0.1 0.2

In the table, the random variable X assumes the values 0, 1, 2, and 3. The corresponding
probabilities of these values are 0.3, 0.4, 0.1 and 0.2, respectively. These corresponding
probabilities are each less than 1 but greater than 0 and when added, the sum is 1.
∑ 𝑃(𝑋) = 0.3 + 0.4 + 0.1 + 0.2
=1

Example 3. Toss a fair coin twice and let X be equal to the number of heads (H) observed.
Construct the discrete probability distribution of X.

1st Toss 2nd Toss Final Outcome Number of Heads

H HH 2
H
T HT 1
H TH 1
T
T TT 0

1
P(2) = 4
or 0.25

1
P(1) = 2
or 0.50

1
P(0) = or 0.25
4

X 0 1 2
P(X) 0.25 0.50 0.25

The first property is met.

The sum of all the probabilities is 1 so, the second property is met.
Therefore, the distribution is a discrete probability distribution.

The discrete probability distribution can be graphed to form a probability histogram. The values of
the discrete random variable X are set on the horizontal axis of the graph and the probabilities are

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E. Bacodio, J.D. Benjamin, K.L Diamante, D.A. Espinosa
set on the vertical axis. The values of X are placed on the center of each bar when constructing a
histogram. The probabilities serves as the height of each bar.

The probability histogram for example 3 is

0.6

0.5

0.4
P(X)
0.3

0.2

0.1

0
0 1 2
No. of heads (X)

Example 4. A discrete random variable X has the following probability distribution:

X 0 1 2 3
P(X) 0.20 0.50 0.15 0.15

The probability histogram of the table is shown below:

0.60

0.50

0.40
P(X)

0.30

0.20

0.10

0.00
0 1 2 3
X

LET’S PRACTICE

This time, it’s your turn to shine. Answer the following as directed.
A. Which of the following shows a discrete probability distribution? If it is NOT a discrete
probability distribution, identify the property or properties that are not satisfied.
7|Page MATH 42 – STATISTICS AND PROBABILITY (Online Module #2)
E. Bacodio, J.D. Benjamin, K.L Diamante, D.A. Espinosa
 1.
X 0 1 2 3 4
P(X) 0.5 0.2 0.15 0.06 0.12

2.
X 2 3 4 5 6
P(X) 1 1 3 1 1
15 5 2 5 15

3.
X 1 2 3 4 5
P(X) 0.212 0.113 0.125 0.224 0.326

B. Answer the following.

1. A random variable X has the following probability distribution:
X 0 1 2 3 4
P(X) 0.06 0.23 ? 0.35 0.05

a) Find P(2).
b) Construct a probability histogram to describe P(X).

LESSON 3 ANSWER KEY

WHAT DO I KNOW?

1.) A 2.) C 3.) C 4.) C 5.) A

LET’S PRACTICE

A. 1.) not a discrete probability distribution since the sum of P(X) is 1.03.

2.) not a discrete probability distribution since the sum of P(X) is 2.03 and P(4) is greater than 1.

3.) discrete probability distribution since the sum of P(X) is 1 and 0 ≤ P(X) ≤ 1

B. 1a. P(2) = 0.31

0.40

0.30

0.20

0.10

0.00
0 1 2 3 4
1b.

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E. Bacodio, J.D. Benjamin, K.L Diamante, D.A. Espinosa
 LESSON
4 MEAN OF A DISCRETE RANDOM VARIABLE

LET’S GET READY

WHAT DO I KNOW?
Before studying this lesson, answer the items below to find out how much you already know about
the topic covered.
Given the following table, find the mean or expected value of X
1) A researcher surveyed the households in a small town. The random variable X represents
the number of college graduates in the household. The probability distribution of X is
shown below.
X 0 1 2
P(X) 0.25 0.50 0.25

2)
X 1 2 3
P(X) 0.18 0.75 0.07

3)
X 0 1 2
P(X) 0.312 0.498 0.190

How did you find the pre-test? Have you got the correct answers?
If yes, Very Good! But, if you failed to get it right don’t be hesitant to learn new concepts because it
only indicates that you need to ponder yourself by exploring this module. By that, you will acquire the
proper way on how to deal with those situations. The next time you encounter those scenarios,
things would be easy for you.
Be focused on the details that will be presented and will be discussed in this module in order for you
to take into the proper procedure in answering those problems.
Let us now discuss this Lesson.

9|Page MATH 42 – STATISTICS AND PROBABILITY (Online Module #2)

E. Bacodio, J.D. Benjamin, K.L Diamante, D.A. Espinosa
 LET’S FOCUS

The mean of a discrete random variable X is also called the expected value of X. It is the
weighted average of all the values that the random variable X would assume in the long run. The
discrete random variable X assumes values or outcomes in every trial of an experiment with their
corresponding probabilities. The expected value of X is the average of the outcomes that is likely to
be obtained if the trials are repeated over and over again. It is denoted by E(X).

The mean or expected value of a discrete random variable X is computed using the following
formula:
E(X) = ∑[𝒙 • 𝑷(𝑿)]
where:
X = discrete random variable
x = outcome or values of the random variable
P(X) = probability of the outcome x

Example 1. A random variable X has a probability distribution as shown below. Calculate the
expected value or E(X).
x 1 2 3 4
P(X) 0.10 0.20 0.45 0.25

Solution:

x P(X) x•P(X)
1 0.10 (1)(0.10) = 0.10
2 0.20 (2)(0.20) = 0.40
3 0.45 (3)(0.45) = 1.35
4 0.25 (4)(0.25) = 1.00
∑[𝑥 • 𝑃(𝑥)] = 2.85

Therefore, E(X) = 2.85.

Example 2. A security guard recorded the number of people entering the bank every hour during
the working day. The random variable X represents the number of people who entered the bank. The
probability distribution of X is shown below.

x 0 1 2 3 4 5
P(X) 0 0.1 0.2 0.4 0.2 0.1

a) What is the expected number of people who enters the bank every hour?
10 | P a g e MATH 42 – STATISTICS AND PROBABILITY (Online Module #2)
E. Bacodio, J.D. Benjamin, K.L Diamante, D.A. Espinosa
Solution:

x P(x) x•P(x)
0 0 0
1 0.1 0.1
2 0.2 0.4
3 0.4 1.2
4 0.2 0.8
5 0.1 0.5
∑ 𝑃(𝑥) = 1.0 ∑ 𝑥 • 𝑃(𝑥) = 3.0

So, E(X) = 3.0.

Therefore, the average number of people entering the bank every hour during the
working day is 3.

LESSON 4 ANSWER KEY:

WHAT DO I KNOW?

1.

x P(X) x•P(X)
0 0.25 0
1 0.50 0.50
2 0.25 0.50
∑[(𝑥𝑃(𝑋)] = 1

The expected value is 1.

2.

x P(X) x•P(X)
1 0.18 0.18
2 0.75 1.50
3 0.07 0.21
∑[(𝑥𝑃(𝑋)]
= 1.89
The expected value is 1.89.

2.

x P(X) x•P(X)
0 0.312 0
1 0.498 0.498
2 0.190 0.380
∑[(𝑥𝑃(𝑋)]
= 0.878
The expected value is 0.878.

11 | P a g e MATH 42 – STATISTICS AND PROBABILITY (Online Module #2)

E. Bacodio, J.D. Benjamin, K.L Diamante, D.A. Espinosa
 LESSON
5 VARIANCE AND STANDARD DEVIATION OF A DISCRETE RANDOM VARIABLE

LET’S GET READY

WHAT DO I KNOW?
Before studying this lesson, answer the items below to find out how much you already know about
the topic covered.
Fill in the blank.
a) Variance: _____25____
Standard Deviation: ___________

b) Variance: _____4_____
Standard Deviation: ___________

c) Variance: ___________
Standard Deviation: ___ 4.6____

d) 𝜎 2 = 12.25
𝜎 = ______

e) 𝜎 2 = _____
𝜎 = 15.4

How did you find the pre-test? Have you got the correct answers?
If yes, Very Good! But, if you failed to get it right don’t be hesitant to learn new concepts because it
only indicates that you need to ponder yourself by exploring this module. By that, you will acquire the
proper way on how to deal with those situations. The next time you encounter those scenarios,
things would be easy for you.
Be focused on the details that will be presented and will be discussed in this module in order for you
to take into the proper procedure in answering those problems.
Let us now discuss this Lesson.

12 | P a g e MATH 42 – STATISTICS AND PROBABILITY (Online Module #2)

E. Bacodio, J.D. Benjamin, K.L Diamante, D.A. Espinosa
 LET’S FOCUS

The variance of a random variable X is denoted by 𝛔𝟐 . It can likewise be written as Var(X). The
variance of a random variable is the expected value of the square of the difference between the
assumed value of random variable and the mean. The variance of X is:

Var(X) =∑[(𝑥 − 𝜇)2 𝑃(𝑋)

or
𝜎 2 = ∑[(𝑥 − 𝜇)2 𝑃(𝑋)
where:
x = outcome
𝜇 = population mean
P(X) = probability of the outcome

The larger the value of the variance, the farther are the values of X from the mean. The variance is
tricky to interpret since it uses the square of the unit of measure of X. So, it is easier to interpret the
value of the standard deviation because it uses the same unit of measure of X.

The standard deviation of a discrete random variable X is written as 𝛔. It is the square root of
the variance. The standard deviation is computed as:
𝜎 = √∑[(𝑥 − 𝜇)2 𝑃(𝑋)]

Example 1. Determine the expected value, variance and the standard deviation of the following
probability mass function.
x P(X)
1 0.15
2 0.25
3 0.30
4 0.15
5 0.10
6 0.05

Solution:
Steps:
1. Find the expected value.
2. Subtract the expected value from each outcome. Square each difference.
3. Multiply each squared difference by the corresponding probability.
4. Sum up all the figures obtained in Step 3.

13 | P a g e MATH 42 – STATISTICS AND PROBABILITY (Online Module #2)

E. Bacodio, J.D. Benjamin, K.L Diamante, D.A. Espinosa
 x P(X) x•P(X) x-𝝁 (𝒙 − 𝝁)𝟐 (𝒙 − 𝝁)𝟐 𝑷(𝑿)
1 0.15 0.15 1 – 2.95 = -1.95 3.8025 0.570375
2 0.25 0.50 2 – 2.95 = -0.95 0.9025 0.225625
3 0.30 0.90 3 – 2.95 = 0.05 0.0025 0.000750
4 0.15 0.60 4 – 2.95 = 1.05 1.1025 0.165375
5 0.10 0.50 5 – 2.95 = 2.05 4.2025 0.420250
6 0.05 0.30 6 – 2.95 = 3.05 9.3025 0.465125
∑[(𝑥𝑃(𝑋)] ∑[(𝑥 − 𝜇)2 𝑃(𝑋)]
= 2.95 = 1.8475

E(X) = ∑[(𝑥𝑃(𝑋)]
= 2.95

𝜎 2 = ∑[(𝑥 − 𝜇)2 𝑃(𝑋)]

= 1.8475 ≈ 1.85

𝜎 = √∑[(𝑥 − 𝜇)2 𝑃(𝑋)]

= √1.8475
= 1.359228 ≈ 1.36

Example 2. Determine the variance and the standard deviation of the following probability mass
function.
x P(x)
0 0.1
1 0.2
2 0.3
3 0.3
4 0.1

Solution:
x P(X) x•P(X) x-𝝁 (𝒙 − 𝝁)𝟐 (𝒙 − 𝝁)𝟐 𝑷(𝑿)
0 0.1 0 0 – 2.1 = -2.1 (−2.1)2 = 4.41 (4.41)(0.1) = 0.441
2
1 0.2 0.2 1 – 2.1 = -1.1 (−1.1) = 1.21 (1.21)(0.2) = 0.242
2 0.3 0.6 2 – 2.1 = -0.1 (−0.1)2 = 0.01 (0.01)(0.3) = 0.003
2
3 0.3 0.9 3 – 2.1 = 0.9 (0.9) = 0.81 (0.81)(0.3) = 0.243
4 0.1 0.4 4 – 2.1 = 1.9 (1.9)2= 3.61 (3.61)(0.1) = 0.361
∑[(𝑥𝑃(𝑋)] ∑[(𝑥 − 𝜇)2 𝑃(𝑋)] = 1.29
= 2.1

14 | P a g e MATH 42 – STATISTICS AND PROBABILITY (Online Module #2)

E. Bacodio, J.D. Benjamin, K.L Diamante, D.A. Espinosa
 𝜇 = ∑[(𝑥𝑃(𝑋)]
= 2.1

𝜎 2 = ∑[(𝑥 − 𝜇)2 𝑃(𝑋)]

= 1.29

𝜎 = √∑[(𝑥 − 𝜇)2 𝑃(𝑋)]

= √1.29
= 1.14

LET’S PRACTICE

Find the mean, variance and standard deviation of each probability mass function below.
1.
x 0 1 2 3
P(x) 0.15 0.32 0.37 0.16

LESSON 5 ANSWER KEY:

WHAT DO I KNOW?

a) Standard Deviation: 5 b) Standard Deviation: 2 c) Variance: 21.16 d) 𝜎 = 3.5 e) 𝜎 2 = 237.16

LET’S PRACTICE

x P(X) x•P(X) x-𝝁 (𝒙 − 𝝁)𝟐 (𝒙 − 𝝁)𝟐 𝑷(𝑿)

0 0.15 0 -1.54 2.3716 0.355740
1 0.32 0.32 -0.54 0.2916 0.093312
2 0.37 0.74 0.46 0.2116 0.078292
3 0.16 0.48 1.46 2.1316 0.341056
∑[(𝑥𝑃(𝑋)] ∑[(𝑥 − 𝜇)2 𝑃(𝑋)] = 0.87
= 1.54
E(X) = ∑[(𝑥𝑃(𝑋)]
= 1.54

𝜎 2 = ∑[(𝑥 − 𝜇)2 𝑃(𝑋)]

= 0.87

𝜎 = √∑[(𝑥 − 𝜇)2 𝑃(𝑋)]

= √0.87
= 0.93

15 | P a g e MATH 42 – STATISTICS AND PROBABILITY (Online Module #2)

E. Bacodio, J.D. Benjamin, K.L Diamante, D.A. Espinosa
 LESSON
6 PROBLEMS INVOLVING MEAN AND VARIANCE OF PROBABILITY DISTRIBUTION

LET’S FOCUS

Example 1. Martha tosses an unbiased coin. She receives ₱30 if a head appears and she pays ₱25 if
a tail appears. Find the expected value and variance of her gain.

Solution:

x P(X) xP(X) x-𝝁 (𝒙 − 𝝁)𝟐 (𝒙 − 𝝁)𝟐 𝑷(𝑿)

-25 0.5 -12.5 -27.5 756.25 378.125
30 0.5 15 27.5 756.25 378.125
∑[(𝑥𝑃(𝑥)] = 2.5 ∑[(𝑥 − 𝜇)2 𝑃(𝑥)] = 756.25

𝜇 = ∑[(𝑥𝑃(𝑋)]
= 2.5

𝜎 2 = ∑[(𝑥 − 𝜇)2 𝑃(𝑋)]

= 756.25

𝜎 = √∑[(𝑥 − 𝜇)2 𝑃(𝑋)]

= √756.25
= 27.5

The expected gain is ₱2.50. The variance is 756.25.

Example 2. The officers of the faculty club of a public high school are planning to sell 160 tickets to
be raffled during the Christmas party. One ticket will win ₱3 000. The other tickets will win nothing.
If you are a faculty member of the school and you will buy one ticket, what will be the expected
value and variance of your gain?

Solution:
1
One ticket will have a gain of ₱3 000 but the probability of winning will only be 160
or 0.00625. The
159
remaining tickets will have a gain of P0, and the probability will be 160
or 0.99375.

16 | P a g e MATH 42 – STATISTICS AND PROBABILITY (Online Module #2)

E. Bacodio, J.D. Benjamin, K.L Diamante, D.A. Espinosa
 x P(X) xP(X) x-𝝁 (𝒙 − 𝝁)𝟐 (𝒙 − 𝝁)𝟐 𝑷(𝑿)
0 0.99375 0 -18.75 351.5625 349.365234
3 000 0.00625 18.75 2 981.25 8 887 851.563 55 549.072269
∑[(𝑥𝑃(𝑋)] ∑[(𝑥 − 𝜇)2 𝑃(𝑋)] = 55898.44
= 18.75

The expected value is ₱18.75.

The variance of your gain is 55 898.44 and it indicates how spread out the values of x around the
mean. Given this large value, this shows that the values are very far away from each other.

LET’S PRACTICE

Solve the following problem.

1. You play a game of tossing an unbiased coin. On each toss, if a head appears on each toss,
you win ₱60.00. However, if a tail appears you lose ₱70.00. If you continue to play the
game, how much do you expect to win or lose in the game?

LESSON 6 ANSWER KEY:

LET’S PRACTICE

x P(X) xP(x) x-𝝁 (𝒙 − 𝝁)𝟐 (𝒙 − 𝝁)𝟐 𝑷(𝑿)

60 0.50 30 65 4 225 2 112.5
-70 0.50 -35 -65 4225 2 112.5
∑[(𝑥𝑃(𝑥)] = −5 ∑[(𝑥 − 𝜇)2 𝑃(𝑥)] = 4 225

E(X) = ∑[(𝑥𝑃(𝑋)]
= -5

𝜎 2 = ∑[(𝑥 − 𝜇)2 𝑃(𝑋)]

= 4 225

𝜎 = √∑[(𝑥 − 𝜇)2 𝑃(𝑋)]

= √4 225
= 65

The expected value (loss) is ₱5.

17 | P a g e MATH 42 – STATISTICS AND PROBABILITY (Online Module #2)

E. Bacodio, J.D. Benjamin, K.L Diamante, D.A. Espinosa