Probability

Distribution
Presentor: Argie C. de Los Reyes

Submitted to: Prof. Alexander G. Pelonia

Contents

▸ Distribution (Frequency distribution vs. probability

distribution)
▸ Random variable
▸ Probability distribution
▸ Examples and illustrations
Distribution

▸ Frequency distribution: It is a listing of

observed/actual frequencies of all the outcomes of an
experiment that occurred when experiment was done.

▸ Probability distribution: It is a listing of

probabilities of all the possible outcomes that could
occur if the experiment was done. Other source
definition, is a Table or Formula that lists the
probabilities for each outcome of the random variable,
X.
 It can be described as: A diagram (Probability
tree), a table, or a mathematical formula.
Random Variable

▸ Variable whose value is determined by a random

experiment.

▸ Suppose that to each point of a sample space we

assign a number. We then have a function defined on
the sample space. This function is called a random
variable or more precisely a random function. It is
usually denoted by a capital letter such as X or Y.
Random Variable

EXAMPLE

Suppose that a coin is tossed twice so that the sample

space is

S = {HH,HT,TH,TT}.

Let X represent the number of heads that can come up.

With each sample point we can associate a number for X
as shown in the table below. Thus, for example, in the case
of HH (i.e., 2 heads), X=2 while for TH (1 head), X=1. It
follows that X is a random variable.
Random Variable

EXAMPLE

Sample point

2 1 1 0

A random variable that takes on a finite or countably infinite number of

values is called a discrete random variable while one which takes on
a noncountably infinite number of values is called a nondiscrete
random variable.
Probability Distribution

 Is a specification (in the form of a graph, a table, or a function)

of the probability associated with each value of a random
variable.

There are two types of probability distribution:

1. Discrete Probability Distribution – random variable can take only
limited number of values. Ex. no. of heads in two-coin tosses.

2. Continuous Probability Distribution – random variable can take any

value. Ex. Height of students in the class.
Example of Discrete Probability Distribution

- Table or formula that lists probabilities for each outcome of random

variable, X.

Ex) Flip 3 coins at same time.

Let random variable X be the number of heads showing
Example of Discrete Probability Distribution
Ex) Flip 3 coins at same time.
Let random variable X be the number of heads showing

Raw representation
Example of Discrete Probability Distribution
Ex) Flip 3 coins at same time.
Let random variable X be the number of heads showing

Discrete Probability representation

ACTIVITY:

Create a probability distribution for X, sum of 2 rolled dice.

Fill-up the table with your answer: