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Probability
Quarter 3 – Module 8:
Interpreting the Mean and the
Variance of a Discrete Random
Variable
Statistics and Probability – Grade 11
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 1 – Module 8: Interpreting the Mean and the Variance of a Discrete Random Variable
First Edition, 2020
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Welcome to the Statistics and Probability for Senior High School Alternative
Delivery Mode (ADM) Module on Interpreting the Mean and Variance of a
Discrete Random Variable!
In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the
body of the module:
As a facilitator you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this
module. You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing
them to manage their own learning. Furthermore, you are expected to
encourage and assist the learners as they do the tasks included in the
module.
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For the learner:
Welcome to the Statistics and Probability for Senior High School Alternative
Delivery Mode (ADM) Module on Interpreting the Mean and Variance of a
Discrete Random Variable!
The hand is one of the most symbolized parts of the human body. It is often
used to depict skill, action and purpose. Through our hands, we may learn,
create and accomplish. Hence, the hand in this learning resource signifies
that you as a learner is capable and empowered to successfully achieve the
relevant competencies and skills at your own pace and time. Your academic
success lies in your own hands!
This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful
opportunities for guided and independent learning at your own pace and
time. You will be enabled to process the contents of the learning resource
while being an active learner.
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What I Have This includes questions or blank
Learned sentences/paragraphs to be filled in to
process what you learned from the
lesson.
This section provides an activity that will
What I Can Do help you transfer your new knowledge or
skill into real-life situations or concerns.
This is a task which aims to evaluate
Assessment your level of mastery in achieving the
learning competency.
Additional In this portion, another activity will be
Activities given to you to enrich your knowledge or
skill of the lesson learned. This also
tends to the retention of learned
concepts.
Answer Key This contains answers to all activities in
the module.
At the end of this module you will also find:
1. Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any
part of the module. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the
exercises.
2. Don’t forget to answer What I Know before moving on to the other
activities included in the module.
3. Read the instruction carefully before doing each task.
4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking your
answers.
5. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
6. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are through
with it.
If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do
not hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator. Always bear in mind
that you are not alone.
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What I Need to Know
This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you
understand why we need to find the mean and variance of a discrete random
variable and how to interpret it. The language used recognizes the diverse
vocabulary level of students. The lessons are arranged to follow the standard
sequence of the course. But the order in which you read them can be
changed to correspond with the textbook you are now using.
This module has only one lesson which focuses on interpreting the mean and
variance of a discrete random variable. Your knowledge and skill on how to
use the formula for the mean, variance, and standard deviation that you
learned from previous modules are pre-requisite skills. Accurate
computations will yield accurate interpretations. In case that there will be
mistakes in the calculations of mean, variance, and standard deviation,
interpretation of the data will be affected. And if we interpret the result based
on the miscalculations, our tendency to make a not so wise decision is
higher. So, to be successful in this module, always review your computations
before you make interpretations. Expect also that some of the practice
exercises and problems included here need your patience and determination
because it requires long computations. It will teach you the virtues of being
patient and striving for excellence. Bear in mind that you need to review first
your solutions to arrive with accurate interpretations. So, are you now ready?
Let us start your journey today.
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What I Know
Before studying this module, take this test to determine what you already
know about the topic covered.
Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a separate
sheet of paper.
1. What do you call a random variable with possible values that form a finite
or countable set?
A. continuous C. finite
B. discrete D. infinite
4. Which of the following is also equal to the square root of the variance?
A. mean C. probability
B. median D. standard deviation
5. How would you interpret a very small variance or standard deviation but
not equal to zero?
A. The values of the random variables are farther from the mean.
B. The values of the random variables are nearer to the mean.
C. The values of the random variables are equal to the mean.
D. The values of the random variables have no relationship with the mean.
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6. Which of the following shows most likely the largest possible variance or
variability?
A. number of girls in a randomly selected three-child family
B. number of newborn babies per minute.
C. number of Oreo cookies inside a 133 grams pack from different
branch of 711 stores
D. number of patients who are positive with COVID-19 in different
hospitals
7. Which of the following data shows most likely the smallest possible
variance or variability?
A. number of books in different branch of National Bookstore
B. number of books inside a pack bag of grade 11 students
C. number of books inside the library of different universities
D. number of books inside the library of different households
𝑥 1 2 3 4 5 6
𝑃(𝑥) 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.5 0.1 0.1
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12. How would you interpret the mean value that you get in item number 9?
A. The mean value is the difference between each probable value of the
outcome when you roll the unfair die in numerous trials.
B. The mean value is the higher probable value of the outcome when you
roll the unfair die in numerous trials.
C. The mean value is the lowest probable value of the outcome when you
roll the unfair die in numerous trials.
D. The mean value is the closest value to the most probable value of the
outcome when you roll the unfair die in numerous trials.
15. How would you interpret the values of variance and standard deviation?
A. It gives the difference between the highest number of cellphones and
the least number of cellphones that can be sold.
B. It is the average number of cellphones that can be sold in a day.
C. It describes how the data or the number of cellphones sold in a day
varies.
D. No interpretation can be made about the variance and standard
deviation.
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Interpreting the Mean and
Lesson
Variance of a Probability
1
Distributions
Decision-making is an important skill that each individual should acquire. It
is a must that you should be wise when making decisions. In real life, we
always encounter situations where we have to choose the best option to arrive
with the right decision. Thinking critically and logically will help you to decide
on things wisely. Considering that you might become a CEO of a company, a
professional, a father or a mother, surely this lesson will help you to decide
on future financial situations. Interpreting the mean and variance of
probability distributions will give you the idea on how to weigh things, for you
to choose the right option.
What’s In
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Situation 2: I went to the grocery store and I noticed that there are five
different kinds of brown sugar at different prices, each brand has different
probabilities that they will be sold. What formula should I use if I want to
determine how the prices vary from the average price of the product that
would be sold to the customers repeatedly?
Solution:
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What’s New
An Unfair Die
Suppose an unfair die is rolled and let X be the random variable representing
the number of dots that would appear with a probability distribution below.
Outcome 1 2 3 4 5 6
(𝑥)
Probability 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.5 0.1 0.1
P(𝑥)
Questions:
2. How does the assumed value of the outcome vary from the average
number of dots that would appear?
What is It
Recall that in your previous lesson, you learn how to calculate the mean,
variance, and standard deviation of a discrete random variable. So, with those
skills, you will be able to answer the questions in the previous activity.
First, let us find the mean of the probability distribution using the formula.
𝜇𝑥 = ∑[𝑥𝑖 ∙ 𝑃(𝑥)]
𝜇𝑥 = 3.7
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Therefore, the mean of the probability distribution is 3.7. Since the mean is
equal to 3.7, we can say that the average number of dots that would appear is
a number near to 3.7 which is 4. If we will repeat the experiment over and
over, there is a higher possibility the 4 dots will always appear since the
average number of dots that would appear is 4.
To determine the variability of the assumed values from the mean, use the
formulas for finding variance and standard deviation. But first, construct a
table like the one below:
𝜎 = √𝜎 2 = √1.81 = 1.35
Knowing this information, you may now decide whether you will join a game
using an unfair die. Make sure you will think more critically and logically
before you make a decision and remember being fair and just is a virtue.
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Bear in mind that the mean of a discrete random variable is just the average
value of a random variable over repeated trials of experiment and in the next
lesson it will be discussed further and its application to the real-life situation.
To understand more the concept of the variance and standard deviation, the
following are examples that will give you a deeper idea about the concept of
variance and standard deviation.
Example 1
The population size of 100 different countries around the world compare to
the population of 10 countries belong to the first world countries
Due to a large number of samples (100 different countries) and other factors
such as land area, economic status, etc., you may say that most likely you
will get a higher variance and standard deviation compared to the population
of 10 countries belong to the first world countries
Example 2
Considering different universities with different size and course offerings, you
may say that the difference between their enrolments will be much higher
than the difference of each class size in a particular school
Example 3
Basketball is a famous game and almost every guy loves to play this game.
Imagine that you will gather the number of people who love to play from
different barangays, it is expected that you will gather different results
compared to the number of basketball players from different teams who play
in the first-quarter game. Almost everybody is aware that there are only five
players from each team to play a game, therefore if you will compute the
variance of the data from different teams you will get a value of zero. The
mean will be equal to 5 because each team who play the game will should
have 5 players only, at the same time if you will compute the variance of
distribution with equal inputs you will get a value of zero.
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The mean and variance of a discrete random variable are easy to understand
if you know the concepts behind these two measurements. As you go on with
the different modules in Statistics and Probability, mean and variance will
always be included in the discussion. The mean, variance, and standard
deviation are important in statistics because they serve as the basis for other
types of statistical calculations or statistical tests.
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What’s More
Practice Activity 1
The number of cellular phones sold per day at the E-Cell Retail Store with
the corresponding probabilities is shown in the table below. Compute the
mean, variance, and standard deviation and interpret the result.
Number of cellphones
sold per day in a retail 15 18 19 20 22
store (𝑥)
Probability (𝑃(𝑥) 0.30 0.20 0.20 0.15 0.15
Solution:
Complete the statement:
𝜎 = √𝜎 2 = __________ = ___________
Therefore, the variance of a probability distribution is equal to ___________,
while the standard deviation is equal to _________________.
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Independent Activity 1
Beth’s Bread and Pastry Shop determines the number of cupcakes sold per
day with its corresponding probabilities. Find the mean, variance, and
standard deviation of the probability distribution below. If Beth, the owner of
the shop is claiming that the average number of cupcakes sold in a day is 150
pieces, do you think it is a believable claim?
Number of cupcakes
sold per day (𝑥) 90 120 135 150 160 175
Practice Activity 2
Analyze the following pairs of data and identify which of the following will
most likely yield to a higher variance and higher standard deviation. Put a
check mark on the appropriate box.
Number of fish inside a can from the different local brands of sardines.
4. Number of M & M’s peanuts inside a 1.69 0z bag from different retail
stores.
Independent Activity 2
Give examples of at least two pairs of data that will most likely yield different
variance and standard deviation. Identify the one with a higher possible value
of variance and explain why.
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
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What I Have Learned
What I Can Do
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Rubrics for the task:
4 3 2 1
Categories Excellent Satisfactory Developing Beginning
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Assessment
Multiple Choice. Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter
on a separate sheet of paper.
1. Which of the following is an example of a discrete random variable?
A. weight of newborn babies
B. body temperature of COVID-19 patients
C. number of heads that will come out if you toss a coin twice
D. height of basketball players
3. Which of the following best describe the variance and standard deviation of
a probability?
A. It is the lowest assumed value of a discrete random variable.
B. It is the highest assumed value of a discrete random variable.
C. It is the average value of a discrete random variable over numerous
trials of an experiment.
D. It is the amount of spread, dispersion, or variability of the assumed
value of a discrete random variable.
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6. Which of the following data show most likely the largest possible variance
or variability?
A. number of pieces of French fries in a regular pack from different orders
of customers at McDonalds
B. number of boys in families of three-children
C. number of customers per hour who went shopping at SM Super Malls
D. number of heads that will appear if two coins are tossed together
repeatedly
7. Which of the following data show most likely the smallest possible
variance or variability?
A. the number of passengers in a tricycle per destinations
B. the number of applicants in the different job opening
C. the number of families who own a private vehicle in different cities in
NCR
D. the number of adults who use public restrooms in Metro Manila
𝑥 20 25 30 35 40 45
𝑃(𝑥) 0.1 0.1 0.4 0.2 0.1 0.1
10. How would you interpret the mean value that you get from item number 8?
A. It is the least number of books borrowed from the school library in a
day.
B. It is the largest number of books borrowed from the school library in a
day.
C. It is the average number of books borrowed from the school library in a
day.
D. It is the difference between the largest and the least number of books
borrowed from the school library in a day.
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11. What is the variance of the probability distribution?
A. 38 B. 40 C. 43 D. 46
Number of ice
candy sold per
30 32 36 40 42 45
day in a retail
store (𝑥)
Probability 0.30 0.10 0.15 0.10 0.10 0.25
(𝑃(𝑥)
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Additional Activities
This activity is design for you to gain a deeper understanding of the mean,
variance, and standard deviation. It will not just help you to practice your
skill but it will give you a chance to compare the results with theoretical
explanations.
Things to do:
The probability distribution of rolling a die is given below, this will serve as
your theoretical result.
Outcome (𝑥) 1 2 3 4 5 6
Probability of the
1 1 1 1 1 1
Outcome
6 6 6 6 6 6
𝑃(𝑥)
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Additional Activities
Results of the experiment may vary, but the mean of the
distribution after rolling a die 50 times is somewhat equal to the
mean of the given probability distribution of rolling a die where the
outcome X is the random variable. Thus, the results of the
experiment may get a mean which is very close to 3.5 with a
variance that is somewhat equals to 3.
What I Know What's More Assessment
1. B Practice Activity 1 1. C
2. A 2. C
3. D 𝜇𝑥 = 18.2 3. D
4. C 4. D
5. B ∑[𝑥 ∙ 𝑃(𝑥)] = 337.1 5. B
6. D 6. C
7. B 𝜎 2 = 5.86 7. A
8. B 8. C
9. B 𝜎 = 2.42 9. D
10.A Independent Activity 1 10.C
11.B 11.D
12.D 𝜇𝑥 = 140.75 12.D
13.D 13.D
14.C 𝜎 2 = 730.1875 14.C
15.C 𝜎 = 26.52 15.D
Practice Activity 2
1. Statement 1
2. Statement 1
3. Statement 1
4. Statement 2
5. Statement 1
Practice Activity 2
Answers may vary
Answer Key
References
Belecina, Rene R, Baccay, Elisa S., Mateo, Efren B. Statistics and Probability.
First Edition. Manila, Philippines: Rex Book Store. 2016.
Lim, Yvette F., Nocon, Rizaldi C., Nocon, Ederlina G., Ruivivar, Leonor A.
Math for Engaged Learning Statistics and Probability. Quezon City: Sibs
Publishing House, Inc. 2016.
Malate, Jose S. Statistics, and Probability for Senior High School. Sta. Ana,
Manila, Philippines: Vicarish Publications and Trading, Inc. 2017.
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