Chapter I Random Variables and Probability Distribution
Chapter I Random Variables and Probability Distribution
Mathematics
Statistics and Probability
Introduction
In the study of basic probability, you have learned that an experiment is any
activity which can be done repeatedly under similar condition. The set of all possible
outcomes of an experiment is called the sample space. You have also learned how to
mathematically list the possible outcome of a given experiment. In tossing a coin, for
instance, the possible outcomes are turning up a head or a tail.
This module will help you understand the process of illustrating random
variables as well as distinguishing between discrete and continuous random variables.
God bless and enjoy learning.
This Self - learning Kit (SLK) will help you understand the concepts on Random
Variables. As you go through this lesson, think of the following questions: How will you
distinguish random variables as to discrete or continuous? To find the answer, perform
each activity.
PRE-TEST
Before studying this module, take this pre - test to find out how much you
already know about the topic covered. Shade the letter of the correct answer.
Well, what do you think about the pre-test? Do you think you did well?
Compare your answers with those in the Answer Key on the last part of this
module to find out.
If all your answers are correct, excellent! This shows that you already
know much about the topic. But you may still study this module to check what
you already know. Who knows, you might learn a few more new things as well.
If you got a low score, it’s ok. This module was made to help you
understand important concepts about random variable that you can apply in
your daily life. If you study this module carefully, you will learn the answers to
all the items in the test and a lot more! Are you ready? Let’s begin your journey.
Competency
Objective
2
Procedure/Learning Experience
Activity
Complete the following table. The first one is done for you.
Experiment Number X Possible Value of X
Two cards are drawn Sum of the numbers 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,
from a deck. on the cards 11, 12, 13, 14, 15,
16, 17, 18, 19, 20
Roll a pair of dice Sum of the number of
dots on the top faces
Toss a pair of coin Number of tosses until
repeatedly the coin lands head
Height of individuals Height of your father
Analysis
This time, you need to reflect on the following questions because it will
help you to understand the appropriate way on illustrating and classifying a
random variable. Answer the following questions:
1. How do you find the activity/?
2. Where you able to complete the table? If yes, how? If no, why?
4. In your own words how will you differentiate between discrete and
continuous random variables?
Abstraction
3
Types of Random Variables
Discrete Continuous
From the example in the table above, Examples 1, 2, and 3 are all discrete
while example 4 is continuous.
Application
This time, it’s your turn to shine. Answer the following as directed.
A. Classify as discrete or continuous random variable.
1. The speed of a bus
2. The number of voters favoring a candidate
3. The temperature in Quezon at noon time
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4. The number of gold medals won by Quezon delegates in Regional
Sports Competition
5. The amount of paint used in repainting a building
2. Suppose that five cards are drawn from a deck, one at a time, without
replacement. Let X = the number of times a king is drawn from this
experiment. What are the possible values of X? Does the experiment
represent a discrete or a continuous random variable?
Reflection
Look back and reflect on what you have done, then answer the following
questions.
5
POST - TEST
You are now ready to take another chance to know where you are so far.
With your effort and determination I believe you can do it once again. Good
Luck.
6
LESSON 2: Possible Values of Random Variable
Introduction
We first learned about the notion of variables in the introduction of
Algebra, and we know from our Algebra lessons that a variable is a placeholder
for real number values that can be assigned to it. Some examples of variables
includes X = number of heads or Y = number of cell phones or Z = running time
to movies.
If three coins are tossed, what numbers can be assigned for the
frequency of heads that will occur? If three cards are drawn from a deck, what
number can be assigned for the frequency of face cards that will occur? These
questions may be answered using random variables which you will learn in this
module.
PRE-TEST
Before studying this module, take this pre - test to find out how much you
already know about the topic covered. Shade the letter of the correct answer.
1. If two coins are tossed, which is NOT a possible value of the
A B C D random variable for the number of heads?
A. 0 B. 1 C. 2 D. 3
2. Which of the following is NOT a true statement?
A B C D A. The value of a random variable could be zero.
B. Random variables can only have one value.
C. The probability of all the value of a random variable could be zero.
D. The sum of all the probabilities in a probability distribution is
always equal to one.
3. You decided to conduct a survey of families with two children. You
A B C D are interested in counting the number of boys (out of 2 children) in
each family. Is this a random variable? If it is, what are the possible
values?
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A. Yes, it is a random variable and its value can be 1 or 2.
B. Yes, it is a random variable and its value can be 0, 1 or 2.
C. Yes, it is a random variable and its value can be 2 or 4.
D. No, it is not a random variable since it is not random.
How did you find the pre-test? Have you got the correct answers? If yes,
Very Good! But, if you failed to get it right don’t be hesitant to learn new
concepts because it only indicates that you need to ponder yourself by exploring
this module. By that, you will acquire the proper way on how to deal with those
situations. The next time you encounter those scenarios, things would be easy
for you.
Be focused on the details that will be presented and will be discussed in
this module in order for you to take into the proper procedure in answering those
problems.
Let us now discuss this Lesson.
Competency
Objective
8
Procedure/Learning Experience
Activity
Suppose three cell phones are tested at random. We want to find out
the number of defective cell phones. Thus, to each outcome in the sample
space we shall assign a value. These are 0, 1, 2, or 3. If there is no defective
cell phone, we assign the number 0; if there is 1 defective cell phones, we
assign the number 1; if there are two defective cell phones, we assign the
number 2; and 3, if there are three defective cell phones. The number of
defective cell phones is a random variable. The possible values of this
random variable are 0, 1, 2, and 3.
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Analysis
This time, you need to reflect on the following questions because it will
help you to understand the appropriate way on finding the possible values of a
random variable. Answer the following questions:
1. How do you find the activity?
2. Were you able to complete the table? If yes, how? If no, why?
3. Will you be able to find the values of the random variable? If
yes, how? If no, why?
4. In your own words how will you describe a random variable?
How do you find the possible values of a random variable?
Abstraction
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Example 2.
Two balls are drawn in succession without replacement from a box containing
5 red balls and 6 blue balls. Let Z be the random variable representing the
number of blue balls. Find the values of the random variable Z.
Steps Solution
1. Determine the The sample space for this
sample space. Let experiment is:
B represent the blue S = {RR, RB, BR, BB}
ball and R represent
the red ball.
2. Count the number of Possible Value of the
blue balls in each Outcomes Random
outcome in the sample variable Z
space and assign this (Number of
number to this blue balls)
outcome. RR 0
RB 1
BR 1
BB 2
So, the possible values of the random variable Z are 0, 1 and 2.
Application
This time, it’s your turn to shine. Answer the problem below.
The households of a local community were surveyed about the number
of occupants who are working. It was found out that 25 households have one
occupant working, 18 have two occupants working, 12 have three occupants
working, and 5 have four occupants working. Let X be the number of occupants
working from a randomly selected household. What are the possible values for
the random variable?
Reflection
This time, it’s your turn to shine. Answer the following as directed.
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POST - TEST
You are now ready to take another chance to know where you are so far. With
your effort and determination I believe you can do it once again. Good Luck.
12
LESSON 3: Constructing Probability Distribution
Introduction
You have learned that the likelihood of winning in a lotto draw, number of
winnings in a gamble, number of heads that comes out in a toss of a coin and
other game of chance can be estimated using probability. But do you know that
it is not only for game of chance? We also use this in business, economics, and
engineering and other real-life situations.
In this self -learning module, the concept of probability distribution for a
discrete random variable will be introduced. Some decisions are made by
assigning probabilities to all possible outcomes pertaining to the situation. When
we draw conclusion from data, we usually state them in terms of probabilities.
PRE-TEST
Before starting with the lesson of this module, answer the following
questions first. This will determine what you already know about the topic.
Direction: Shade the circle that corresponds to the letter of your answer.
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4.Which of the following can serve as the values of a probability
distribution ?
A B C D A. P(1) = 0.42, P2) = 0.31, P(3)= 0.37
C. P(1) = 9/14, P2) = 4/14, P(3)= 1/14
B. P(1) = 0.08, P2) = 0.12, P(3)= 1.03
D. P(1) = 10/33, P2) = 12/33, P(3)= 10/33
𝑥
5. If P(X)= , what are the possible values of X for it to be a
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A B C D probability distribution?
A.0,2,3 B.1,2,3 C. 2,3,4 D.1,1,2
Well, what can you say about the pre-test ? Do you think you did well ?
To find out if your answer is correct, compare your answers on the Answer Key
(This can be found at the end of the chapter).
Competency
Objective
Procedure/Learning Experience
Activity
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represents the defective computer and N represents the non-defective
computer. Let X be the random variable for the number of defective computers.
Find the value of the random variable X.
a. List the sample space in the given experiment. Let D represent the defective
computer and N represent the non-defective computer. Count the number of
defective computers in each outcome in the sample space and assign this
number to this outcome. For instance , if you list NND the number of
defective computer is 1.
Value of the Random Variable X
Possible Outcomes
(number of defective computers)
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Analysis
This time, you need to reflect on the following questions. Answer the
following questions:
Abstraction
2. The sum of all the probabilities of all values of the random variable must
be equal to 1. In symbol, we write it as 𝚺P(X) = 1
Probability Histogram
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Steps Solution
a.Determine the sample space. Let R The sample space for this
represent the red ball and G represent experiment is:
the green ball. S= { RR, RG, GR, GG}
b.Count the number of green balls in Possible Value of the
each outcome in the sample space and Outcomes Random Variable Y
assign this number to this outcome. (No. Of Green
Balls)
RR 0
RG 1
GR 1
GG 2
c.Assign probability values P(Y) to each Number of Probability P(Y)
value of the random variable. Green Balls Y
-There are 4 possible outcomes, if no
green ball occurs once, the probability
that we shall assign to the random 0 1/4
variable 0 is ¼
-If 1 green ball occurs two times, the
probability that we shall assign to the 1 2/4 or ½
random variable 1 is 2/4 or ½.
-If 2 green balls occur once, the
probability that we shall assign to the 2 ¼
random variable 1 is ¼.
Histogram
Construct a histogram for this probability distribution. A histogram is a bar
graph. To construct a histogram for a probability distribution, follow these steps.
Plot the values of the random variable along the horizontal axis.
a) In plotting the probabilities along the vertical axis, you can change
fractions to decimals (ex. ¼=0.25 and ½= 0.5)
0.6
0.5
0.4
P(Y)
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
0 1 2
No. of Green Balls (Y)
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Ex. 2.Write the probability mass function of the random variable X defined by
the outcomes of rolling a fair die and construct its corresponding histogram.
b) Histogram
0.18
0.16
0.14
0.12
0.10
P(X)
0.08
0.06
0.04
0.02
0.00
1 2 3 4 5 6
a)
Possible Outcomes Value of the Random Variable X
(No. of Girls)
BBB 0
BBG 1
BGB 1
GBB 1
BGG 2
GBG 2
GGB 2
GGG 3
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b)
No. of Girls 0 1 2 3
Probability P(X) 1/8 or 0.125 3/8 or 0.375 3/8 or 0.375 1/8 or 0.125
ΣP(X)= 1/8 +3/8 + 3/8 + 1/8 = 8/8 =1
c)Histogram
0.4
0.35
0.3
0.25
P(X)
0.2
0.15
0.1
0.05
0
0 1 2 3
No. of Girls (X)
4. X 1 5 7 8 9
P(X) 1/3 1/3 1/3 1/3 1/3
Σ P(X)= 1/3 + 1/3 +1/3 +1/3 +1/3=5/3
This is not a probability distribution because ΣP(X) ≠ 1
X 1 3 5 7
5. P(X) 0.35 0.25 0.28 0.12
Σ P(X)= 0.35 + 0.25 + 0.28 + 0.12 =1
This is a probability distribution because ΣP(X) = 1
Application
Use the procedure that you have learned to solve the following problems
involving probability distribution of a discrete random variable.
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2. An experiment consists of asking three Grade 10 students at random if they
prefer to choose Academic track or TVL track in the senior high school. Use A
for Academic and T for TVL. Let Y represent the random variable representing
the number of TVL track responses.
3. Suppose that a coin is to be tossed four times, and let X represent the
number of tails that occur.
4.Using the sample space for rolling two dice , construct a probability
distribution for the random variable X representing the sum of the numbers
that appear.
2. X 0 2 3 4 6
P(X) 1/6 1/6 1/6 1/3 1/6
3. X 1 3 5 7
P(X) 0.35 0.25 0.22 0.12
Have you finished answering? Compare your answer to the Answer Key
(This can be found at the end of the chapter).
Reflection
Look back and reflect on what you have done, then answer the following
questions.
1. Why should the sum of the probabilities in a probability distribution
always equal to 1?
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POST - TEST
You are now ready to take another chance to know where you are so far. With
your effort and determination I believe you can do it once again. Good Luck.
Direction: Shade the circle that corresponds to the letter of your answer.
𝑋
5.If P(X)= , what are the possible values of X for it to be a
8
A B C D probability distribution?
A.0,2,3,4 B.0,1,2,3 C. 1,3,4 D.1,2,3
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LESSON 4: Illustrating and Calculating Mean and Variance of
Discrete Random Variable
Introduction
This Self-Learning Kit (SLK) for Statistics and Probability will enable the
learner to understand the concept on how mean and variance of discrete
random variable are illustrated. Moreover, process on calculating the mean and
variance of discrete random variable will be presented. Pre-Test and Post- Test
are prepared for you to be able to monitor your personal development while you
go on course of the study. The Pre-test will display how much you already know
about the lesson. On the other hand, the post- test will estimate or assess the
extent of learning after you deal with this module.
PRE-TEST
Before studying this module, take this pre- test to find out what you
already know about the topics covered. Please shade the letter of the correct
answer.
1. The appropriate formula in finding the mean of discrete
A B C D random variable is
A. E(x) = μx = ∑ x ∙ p (x) C. E(x) = μx = ∑ x − p (x)
B. E(x) = μx = ∑ x + p (x) D. E(x) = μx = ∑ x ∙ p (x)2
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C. 𝜎𝑥2 = ∑ 𝑥 ∙ 𝑝(𝑥); for all possible values of x
D. 𝜎𝑥2 = ∑(𝑃(𝑥) + 𝜇)2 ∙ 𝑥 ; for all possible values of x
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How did you find the pre-test? Have you got the correct answers? If
yes, Very Good! But, if you failed to get it right don’t be hesitant to learn new
concepts because it only indicates that you need to ponder yourself by
exploring this module. By that, you will acquire the proper way on how to
deal with those situations. The next time you encounter those scenarios,
things would be easy for you.
Be focused on the details that will be presented and will be discussed
in this module in order for you to take into the proper procedure in answering
those problems.
Let us now discuss the Lesson 4.
Competency
Objective
Procedure/Learning Experience
Activity
24
Test Item Probability ,
𝑋 𝑝(𝑋)
0 0.03
1 0.05
2 0.12
3 0.30
4 0.28
5 0.22
Based on the data above, observe, analyze and answer the following
questions:
1. Is the probability of x lies between 0 and 1?_____________________
Analysis
This time, you need to reflect on the following questions because it will
help you to understand the appropriate way on illustrating and calculating the
mean, variance and standard deviation of a discrete random variable. Answer
the following questions:
1. How did you find the given activity?
2. Were you able to get the correct answer for each question? If yes, Very
Good! If not, which question/s you find difficult?
3. What mathematical skills help you to answer all 5 questions?
4. Do you think the concepts that you will acquire in this module would be
helpful to solve real-life problems?
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Abstraction
𝑬(𝒙) = 𝝁𝒙 = ∑ 𝒙 ∙ 𝑷(𝑿) = 𝟑. 𝟒𝟏
So, it indicates that the expected value or mean of the random variable
is 3.41.
For question 5, you will need to understand the process on computing the
variance and the standard deviation of the discrete random variable. In order to
compute those, always remember this;
computed by first subtracting the mean from each possible x value to obtain the
deviations, then squaring each deviation and multiplying the result by the
probability of the corresponding x value, and then finally adding these
quantities. In symbol,
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The Standard Deviation of x, denoted by 𝝈𝒙 , is the square root of the
Variance. In symbol,
From the data generated.
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Applying the concepts from the activity given above, let us complete the
table below.
0 ¼ or 0.25 0 -1 1 0.25
1 ½ or 0.5 0.5 0 0 0
2 ¼ or 0.25 0.5 1 1 0.25
𝝁𝒙 = ∑ 𝒙 ∙ 𝑷(𝑿) = 𝟏 ∑(𝒙 − 𝝁)𝟐 ∙ 𝑷(𝑿) = 𝟎. 𝟓𝟎
We have seen that the Expected value E(x) is just the average or mean
(µ) of random variable x. It’s sometimes called a “weighted average” because
more frequent values of X are weighted more highly in the average. It’s also
how we expect X to behave on-average over the long run. The mean of a
random variable X is a measure of the central location of the distribution of X. If
we are summarizing features of the distribution of X, it is clear that location is
not the only relevant feature. The second most vital feature is the spread of the
distribution.
If values of X is closer to its mean, μX are very likely and values further
away from μX have very small probability, then the distribution of X will be closely
concentrated around μX. In this case, the spread of the distribution of X is small.
On the other hand, if values of X take some distance from its mean μX are likely,
the spread of the distribution of X will be large.
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sample standard deviation. The difference here is that we are referring to
properties of the distribution of a discrete random variable.
where the sum is taken over all values of x for which P(x) > 0 but less than 1.
So, the variance of X is the weighted average of the squared deviations from
the mean μ, where the weights are given by the probability function P(x) of X.
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Application
This time, it’s your turn to shine. Answer the following problems.
1. The number of shoes sold per day at a retail store is shown in the table
below. Find the mean, variance, and standard deviation of this
distribution,
X 19 20 21 22 23
2. Suppose that a coin is to be tossed four times, and let X represents “the
number of TAILS that can come up”. Find the mean, variance, and
standard deviation of this distribution.
3. The number of patients seen in the Emergency Room in any given hour
is a random variable represented by x. The probability distribution for x
is:
X 10 11 12 13 14
To verify whether you able to get the correct answer you may refer on
Answer Key provided.
Reflection
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POST - TEST
X 0 1 2 3
P(X) 0.2 0.1 0.4 0.3
X 0 1 2
P(X) 0.25 0.5 0.25
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B. A large value of variance or standard deviation indicates
that the distribution of the discrete random variable is closer
about the mean.
C. A small value of variance or standard deviation indicates
that the distribution of the discrete random variable takes
some distance from the mean.
D. All of the above.
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LESSON 5: Interpreting the Mean and Standard Deviation of
Discrete Random Variable
Introduction
Are you interested in buying lotto tickets? How about making a bet in a
roulette wheel or taking a chance in raffle tickets? Do you want to know how
much gain will you have if you will win in games of chance or how much money
will be wasted if you lost on a bet? Are you planning to invest money in a life
insurance company? If you had thought of the following questions this module
is for you.
In this module, you will learn how to compute the probability or the chance
of winning and losing. You will apply the formula for the expected mean to solve
real life problems involving mean and variance of probability distributions. Good
luck and happy learning.
PRE-TEST
Before studying this module, take this simple test to determine what you already
know about the topic covered. Please shade the letter of the correct answer.
1. You buy one ₱500.00 raffle ticket for a prize of new car (Toyota
Wigo) valued at ₱675, 000.00. Two thousand tickets are sold. If X
A B C D
denotes the net gain from the purchase of a randomly selected
ticket, which of the following tables of values shows the
probability distribution of X?
A. x 675,000 -500 C.
x 674,500 -500
P(x) 1 1999 P(x) 1 1999
2000 2000 2000 2000
x 674,500 500
x 675,000 500
B. D. P(x) 1 1999
P(x) 1 1999
2000 2000
2000 2000
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2. What is the mean or the expected value of item number 1?
A B C D(Refer to problem number 1)
A. - 162.5 B. -162.25 C. 162.25 D. 162.5
3. One thousand tickets are sold for ₱10.00 each. One ticket will
A B C Dwin ₱2,000.00, two tickets will win ₱1,000.00 each and four
tickets will win ₱500.00 each. What is the probability of winning
any amount in the purchase of one ticket?
1 2 5 7
A. B. C. D.
1000 1000 1000 1000
Competency
34
Objective
Procedure/Learning Experience
Activity
GAME OF CHANCE
Read the conversation below and answer the questions that follow.
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That’s a good deal and the
prize is so exciting! But I need
to check my budget before
buying a ticket. Thanks for
It will be 10 days from
informing me. I’ll just call you
now. You still have time to
when I am ready to buy. By Thank you
decide, just call me if you You’re welcome Cardo!
the way, when is the raffle Romulo!
already have your
date?
decision.
Questions:
1. If you are Cardo, would you buy a raffle ticket? Why?
______________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________.
2. How would you describe Romulo as a friend?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
3. If Cardo decided to buy one ticket, what is the probability that he would win
the prize if 500 tickets were sold? ________ What is the probability that Cardo
will lose the bet?_________
4. How much money will Cardo gain if he wins the prize? _______. How much
money will be wasted if he will not win the prize? ____________________
5. If you were Cardo, will you buy a ticket? __________________________.
Analysis
This time, you need to reflect on the following questions because it will
help you to understand the concept of the mean and variance of a discrete
random variable. Your honest answer would be a big help for the success of
your journey on this module.
1. How do you find the activity?
2. Were you able to answer all five questions? If yes, what helped you to answer
each question? If no, why were you not able to answer those questions?
3. Have you experienced a situation where you need to decide to take a
chance? If yes, reflect on the factors which affect your decision.
4. What mathematical concepts or skills will help Cardo make his decision? How
important these concepts/skills for Cardo to decide and choose the best option?
5. Do games of chance really help individuals with financial problems? Explain.
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Abstraction
Expected value is exactly what you might think, it means intuitively: the return
you can expect for some kind of action. It informs about what to expect in an
experiment "in the long run", after many trials.
In the study of probability distribution the mean of possible values of a discrete
random variable, given by their respective probabilities, is known as the
expected value, usually represented by 𝐸 (𝑥) or 𝜇𝑋 . To compute for the mean of
a discrete random variable, we use the formula
𝐸 (𝑥) = 𝜇𝑥 = ∑[𝑥𝑖 ∙ P(𝑥𝑖 )]
where 𝑥𝑖 is the value of the random variable for outcome 𝑖, 𝜇𝑥 is the mean of
random variable X, and P(𝑥𝑖 )is the probability that the random variable will be
outcome 𝑖.
Solution:
a. If a ticket is selected as the first prize winner, the net gain to the purchaser is
₱10,000.00 less the ₱50.00 that was paid for the ticket, hence 𝑥1 = 10,000 – 50
= 9950. There is one such ticket, so the probability of gaining 9950 is one out
1
of one thousand tickets or which is equal to 0.001. If it is selected as the
1000
second prize winner, the net gain to the purchaser is ₱5,000.00 less the ₱50.00,
1
hence 𝑥2 = 5,000 – 50 = 4950 with a probability of or 0.001. If it is selected
1000
as the third prize winner, the net gain to the purchaser is ₱2,500.00 less the
1
₱50.00, hence 𝑥3 = 2,500 – 50 = 2450 with a probability of or 0.001. But if
1000
the ticket was not selected to win the prize, the purchaser lost ₱50.00 that was
paid for the ticket, hence 𝑥4 = – 50 with a probability of 997 out of 1000 tickets
997
or which is equal to 0.997.
1000
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Below is the probability distribution:
𝒙𝒊 9950 4950 2450 -50
𝑷(𝒙𝒊 ) 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.997
b. If we let W denote the event that a ticket is selected to win one of the
prizes. Using the table
The probability of winning the first prize is 0.001.
The probability of winning the second prize is 0.001.
The probability of winning the third prize is 0.001.
The negative value means one loses money on the average. In particular, if
someone were to buy tickets repeatedly, and although he would win now and
then, on average he would lose thirty two pesos and fifty cents per ticket
purchased.
You may now go back to the problem of Cardo and apply what you have learned
from example 1.
To answer item number 3: If Cardo decided to buy one ticket, what is the
probability that he would win the prize if 500 tickets were sold? What is the
probability that Cardo will lose the bet?
Solution:
1
You need to compute for the probability of the two events. Cardo will have
500
499
or 0.002 chance to win the prize and or 0.998 chance to lose it. It is also
500
clear that he will gain ₱15,000.00 less ₱100.00 or ₱14,900.00 if he wins the
prize and his ₱100.00 will be wasted if he will lose the prize.
The concept of expected value is also applicable to the insurance industry, as
illustrated by the example below.
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Solution:
Let X denotes the net gain to the company from the sale of one policy. There
are two possibilities: the insured person lives the whole year or the injured
person dies before the year is finished. Applying the “income minus expenses”
principle, in the first case the value of X = 200 – 0; in the latter case it is 200 –
250,000 = - 249,800. Since the probability in the first case is 99.98% or 0.9998
and in the latter case is 1 – 0.9998 = 0.0002, the probability distribution for X is:
𝑥 200 -249,800
𝑃(𝑥) 0.9998 0.0002
Therefore
𝐸 (𝑥) = 150
Interpretation:
Sometimes the company may lose a large amount of money on a policy, but
typically gains ₱200.00, which by the computation of E(X) gives a net of
₱150.00 on the average per policy sold.
Application
LET’S PLAY A GAME
Use the formula you have learned to solve the following real life problems
(games of chance) involving mean and variance of a discrete random variable.
Use the back of this page or a separate sheet of paper for your computations,
use of calculator would be a help. Enjoy and happy working .
Game of Chance 1. (Raffle Tickets)
Two thousand tickets are sold for ₱20.00 each. One ticket will win ₱10,000.00,
two tickets will win ₱5,000.00 each and three tickets will win ₱1,000.00 each.
Let X denotes the net gain from the purchase of a randomly selected ticket.
a. Construct the probability distribution of X.
b. Find the probability of winning any amount in the purchase of one ticket.
c. Find the expected value of X, then interpret.
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Game of Chance 2. (A roulette wheel)
A roulette wheel in a fiesta carnival has the numbers 1 through 30. If you bet
₱5.00 you will have a chance to win a prepaid load worth ₱100.00. Find the
expectation if you play a bet.
Game of Chance 3. (Lottery)
A lotto works by picking 6 numbers from 1- 42 (Combinations of numbers from
1-42 taken 6 at a time produce 5,245,786 number combinations). A ticket costs
₱24.00 to play the lottery. If you win today, you would win 5 million pesos after
taxes. If you play the lottery today, what would be your expected winnings or
losses?
Take It or Leave It 4. (Body Parts Insurance Investment)
An insurance company will sell a ₱500,000.00 one-year term legs insurance
policy for ramp models for a premium of ₱500.00. Find the expected value to
the company of a single policy if a model has a 99.96% chance of being
uninjured in one year?
Compare your answers with those found in the Answer Key on the last part of
this module. Did you get all items correct? Great! If you did, you learned the
lesson well. If you were not able to get the correct answer, review your
computations.
Reflection
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POST - TEST
You are now ready to take another chance to know where you are so far. With
your effort and determination I believe you can do it once again. Good Luck.
3. You buy three ₱1,000.00 raffle tickets for a prize of a new 20-
A B C Dpassenger Sarao jeepney valued at ₱800, 000.00. Two thousand
tickets are sold. What is the probability of winning the prize in the
purchase of three tickets?
1 2 3 4
A. B. C. D.
2000 2000 2000 2000
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4. A roulette wheel in an amusement park has the numbers 1
A B C Dthrough 60. If you bet ₱100.00 you will have a chance to win a
cellular phone worth 5,000.00. How much the organizer will earn
if 100 games will be played?
A. ₱50,000.00 C. ₱150,000.00
B. ₱100, 000.00 D. ₱200,000.00
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