Random

Variables

Marian A. Meraña
PCBET-01-601A
Random Variables- is a variable that
takes on different values as a result of
the outcomes of a random experiment.

Discrete- limited number

Random
Variables
Continuous- any value
within a given range
Example:
P(100) =1/100

Daily Sales of Speakers =.01

Expected Value- is a fundamental concept in a
study of probability distribution.
Symbol meaning
“the sum of” Probability that the
random variable will take
on the value

E= Σx * P(x)
Expected Value of
Value of the
the random
random variable
variable
 100x.01=1.00
Example:
 Types of Probability of Distribution

– 1. Binomial Distribution
Discrete
– 2. Poison Distribution
– 3. Exponential Distribution
Continuous
– 4. Normal Distribution
 Types of Probability of
Distribution
Binomial Distribution- describes discrete data
resulting from an experiment called Bernoulli
process.
 Characteristics of Bernoulli Process

1. Each trial has only two possible

outcomes.
2. The probability of a success on any trial
remains fixed over time.
3. The trials are statistically independent.
 Binomial Formula
Probabily of r = n!
pr qn-r
success in n trials r!(n-r)!

p- represent probability of success

q- (q=1-p) represent probability of failure
r- represent a certain number of success
n- represent the total number of trials
Some field representatives of the Environmental Protection Agency are
doing spot checks of water pollution in streams. Historically, 8 out of 10
such tests produce favorable results , that is, no pollution. The field group
is going to perform 6 tests and wants to know the chances of getting
exactly 3 favorable results from this group of tests.

Apply the binomial formula Given

Probabily of r success in n n! p=.8 (8/10)
p q
r n-r

trials = r!(n-r)! q=.2 (1-.8=.2)

r= 3
Probabily of 3 success in 6 6x5x4x3x2x1 (.83).(23)
= 3x2x1(3x2x1) n=6
trials
Probabily of 3 success in 6 720 (.512)(.008)
trials = 6x6
Probabily of 3 success in 6 trials = (20)(.512)(.008)
Probabily of 3 success in 6 trials =.08192
 Binomial Distribution Graphically

Example: Let’s look at a situation where 5 employees are required to operate a

chemical process; the process cannot be started until 5 work stations
are manned. Employee records indicate there is .4 chance of any
employee being late, and we know that they all come to work
independently of each other. Management is interested in knowing the
probabilities of 0,1,2,3,4 or 5 employees being late, so that a decision
concerning the number of backup personnel can be made.

Given:
p=.4
q=.6
n=5
r=0,1,2,3,4, or 5
Given:
p=.4 Probabily of r success in n n! pr qn-r
q=.6 trials = r!(n-r)!
n=5
r=0,1,2,3,4, or 5

P(0)= 5! P(1)= 5!
(.40 )(.65 ) (.41 )(.64 )
0!(5-0)! 1!(5-1)!
= 5x4x3x2x1 = 5x4x3x2x1
(1)(5x4x3x2x1) (1 )(.6 5
) (1)(4x3x2x1) (.4)(.6 4
)
=120 =120 (.4)(.1296 )
(1 )(.07776 )
120 24
=.07776 =.2592

P(2)= .3456
P(3)= .2304
P(4)= .0768
P(5)= .01024
P(0)= .07776
P(1)= .2592
P(2)= .3456
P(3)= .2304
P(4)= .0768
P(5)= .01024