Module: Discrete Probability Distribution

Probability Distribution

A probability distribution is a function or rule that

assigns the value of a random variable to the

probability associated with these values. The

probability that the random variable X will equal x

as P(X=x) or simply P(x), where the uppercase

letter denoted by X represents the name of the

random variable. The lowercase counterpart

represents the value of the random variable.

Methods of Presenting Probability Distribution

Example 1. Consider the random experiment of

tossing 2 coins. Let X be the number of heads, then

construct the probability distribution of X using

tabular, graphical and formula form.

Solution:

There will be 4 possible outcomes in the sample

space since coin 1 can fall 2 ways and coin 2 can

also fall in 2 ways. Thus, 2(2) = 4