RANDOM VARIABLE

Submitted by: Ejhay G. Carambas

Gas 11
RANDOM VARIABLE
And
PROBABILITY
DISTRIBUTION
 

LESSON OVERVIEW/INTRODUCTION:
 With this module, learners will
demonstrates understanding of key
concepts of random variables and
probability distributions.

 At the end of the lesson, learners should

be able to apply an appropriate random
variable for a given real- life problems
(such as in decision making and games of
chance).
LESSON OBJECTIVES:
At the end of this module, you will be able to;

Illustrates a random variable

(discrete and continuous).
Distinguishes between a discrete
and a continuous random variable.
Finds the possible values of a
random variable.
Illustrates a probability distribution
for a discrete random variable and its
properties.
DEFINITION OF TERMS:
1. Random
- is a function that associates a real number to each
Variable element in the sample space.
- are denoted by uppercase such as X, Y, Z or any
letter in the alphabet.

2. Discrete Random
- it Variable
has the values that can be
counted.
3. Continuous Random
Variable
- it can assume all values in
the interval between any two
given values.

4. Sample
Space
- the set of all possible
outcomes of an experiment.
 5. Probability
distribution
- it consist of the values a
random variable can assume
and the corresponding
probabilities of the value.

6. 𝝨
– this symbol is called
“Summation”.
 Learn About It !
 Random
ent
Experim
– is an action or process that leads to one of several possible
outcomes. Here are some examples to illustrate random
experiments and their possible outcomes.

Random experiment Possible Outcomes

Tossing a coin {Head, Tail}
Remember: After introducing the given
examples, try to answer the following
exercises for you to understand more our
lesson.
 

EXAMPLE #1: TOSSING THREE COINS

Suppose three coins are tossed. Let Y be the random
variable representing the number of tails that occur.
Find the values of the random variable Y. Complete
the table.
Solution:
Steps Solution
1. Determine the sample space. Let H represent head The sample space for this experiment is:
and T represent tail. S = {TTT, TTH, THT,HTT,HHT,HTH,THH,HHH}
 
2. Count the number of tails in each outcome in the
sample space and assign this number to this outcome.

Possible Outcomes Value of the random

variable Y
(number of tails)
TTT 3
TTH 2
THT 2
HTT 2
HHT 1
HTH 1
THH 1
HHH 0
*So, the possible values of the random variable Y are 0, 1, 2 and 3.
 
 er t h i s
An sw
C I S ES !
EX ER
 EXERCISE#1: Suppose three cell phones are tested at random. Let D represent
the defective cell phones and let N represent the non-defective cell phones. If we let X be
the random variable for the number of defective cell phones, find the values of a random
variable X. Complete the table.

Steps Solution:
1.   The sample space for this experiment is:
S={ }

2.
Possible Outcomes Value of the Random Variable X
(number of defective cell phones)


 EXERCISE#2: An experiment consists of studying the number of boys in families
with exactly 3 children. Let B represent the boy and G represent the girl. Find the values of a
variable Y for the number of boys. Complete the table.

Steps Solution:
1.   The sample space for this experiment is:
S={ }
2.
Possible Outcomes Value of the Random Variable Y
(number of boys )