Section 5.

1: Probability Distributions

In Chapter 1, a variable was defined as a ______characteristic or attribute that can assume different
values_______. Variables in this chapter are associated with ____probability__________.

A ______random variable_________ is a variable _______whose values are determined by chance__-

__________.
Recall: In Chapter 1, variables were classified as __discrete____________ or ___continuous____________.

We can do the same here.

Discrete variables have a _____a finite number of possible values or an infinite number of values that can
be counted (e.g. enumerated using 1,2,3 . . . )__________. Variables that can assume all values in the
____interval between any two given values______________ are called continuous variables.

Recall: When 3 coins are tossed the sample space is

If X is the random variable for the number of heads, then X assumes values 0,1, 2 and 3. Probabilities for the
values of X are:

A ____discrete probability distribution___________ consists of the values a random variable can assume and
the corresponding _____probabilities of the values_____________.
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  The distribution can be shown by using a _______________ or a _______________.
 It can also be represented by a _______________________.
Example: Construct a probability distribution for rolling a single die.

On a graph, the values of X are on the ___x-axis__________ and the probabilities are on the __y-
axis_____________.
Example: Graphically represent the probability distribution for the sample space for tossing 3 coins.

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 or A

Example: The data shown consists of 40 World Series events. The number of games played in each series is
represented by the variable X. Find the probability P(X) for each X, construct a probability distribution and
graph.

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 Two Requirements for a Probability Distribution

Example: Determine whether each distribution is a probability distribution.

a)
X 5 8 11 14
P(X) 0.2 0.6 0.1 0.3
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 b)
X 1 2 3 4 5
P(X) 1/4 1/8 3/8 1/8 1/8

c)
X 1 2 3 4
P(X) 1/4 1/4 1/4 1/4

d)
X 4 8 12
P(X) -0.5 0.6 0.4

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