Statistics and

Probability
Quarter 3 – Module 2:
Probability Distribution for a
Discrete Random Variable
Statistics and Probability – Senior High School
Quarter 3 – Module 2: Probability Distribution for a Discrete Random Variable
First Edition, 2020

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 Statistics and
Probability
Quarter 3 – Module 2:
Probability Distribution for a
Discrete Random Variable
Introductory Message
For the facilitator:
As a facilitator, you are expected to orient the learners on how to use
this module. You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while
allowing them to manage their own learning at home. Furthermore, you are
expected to encourage and assist the learners as they do the tasks included
in the module.

For the learner:

As a learner, you must learn to become responsible of your own
learning. Take time to read, understand, and perform the different activities
in the module.
As you go through the different activities of this module be reminded
of the following:
1. Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any
part of the module. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the
exercises.
2. Don’t forget to answer Let Us Try before moving on to the other
activities.
3. Read the instructions carefully before doing each task.
4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking your
answers.
5. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
6. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are done.
If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module,
do not hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator. Always bear in mind
that you are not alone. We hope that through this material, you will
experience meaningful learning and gain deep understanding of the relevant
competencies. You can do it!

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 Let Us Learn
This module is written and designed to help you fully understand the
key concepts of Statistics and Probability that can be applied in real-life. The
scope of this module can be used in various learning situations. The lessons
are organized to follow the standard arrangement of the course.

At the end of this module, you are expected to:

1. illustrate the probability distribution for a discrete random variable
and its properties.
2. calculate probabilities corresponding to a given random variable.
3. illustrate the mean and variance of a discrete random variable.

Let Us Try
Before you proceed with this module, let’s evaluate what you have
already known about the lesson.

Direction: Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a
separate sheet of paper.

1. What is the result if you add all the probabilities of all the values of
the random variable?
A. -1 C. 1
B. 0 D. 2

2. The probability of each value of the random variable must be:

A. 1≤ P(X) ≤ 4 C. P(X) = 0
B. 0 ≤ P(X) ≤ 1 D. P(X) ≥ -1

3. It describes the probability associated with the possible values of X.

A. Statistics C. Integer
B. Whole Number D. Probability Distribution

4-5. Determine whether the distribution illustrates a probability

distribution.

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4. P(1)= 0.39, P(2)= 0.29, P(3)= 0.42

A. Yes C. Maybe
B. No D. I don’t know

5.
X 1 3 5
P(X) 1/2 1/4 1/4

A. Yes C. Maybe
B. No D. I don’t know

6. The ________ of a discrete random variable X is described as the

weighted average of the possible values that the random variable can
obtain.
A. Mean C. Median
B. Mode D. Deviation

7. The __________ of a discrete random variable X measures the increase,

or change, of the distribution.
A. Mean C. Sum
B. Variance D. Average

8. The number of ML players living in one house on a randomly selected

compound is shown in the following probability distribution.

No. of ML
1 2 3 4
player/s, X
Probability,
0.20 0.55 0.15 0.10
P(X)

In the probability distribution above, find the variance and standard

deviation, respectively.

A. 0.89 and 0.76 C. 0.74 and 0.83

B. 0.69 and 0.77 D. 0.73 and 0.85

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 Let Us Study
Welcome to the second lesson for Statistics and Probability. This part
of this course will give you applications in real-life practical scenario. You
may already have encountered this certain topic before, but let’s learn more
about how this can be used in our daily life. Are you ready? Let’s go!

Probability Distribution for a Discrete Random Variable

and Its Properties

You may have seen in the television or internet that someone won the
lottery. The chance of winning it is very slim; you may consider it as luck.
The number of tails in a toss coin, winning in gambling and hitting the
jackpot in the lottery can be estimated using probability. We are using
probability in real-life applications such as in engineering, economics, and
many more. Let us find out how exciting probability can be!

A probability distribution of a random variable X describes the

probability associated with the possible values of X.

The probability distribution of a discrete random variable defines the

probability of each possible value of the random variable. Its distribution
functions are concentrated as a mass for a particular value, and also known
as a Probability Mass Function.

Properties of discrete probability distribution

1. The probability of each value of the random variable must be

between or equal to 0 and 1. In symbol 0 ≤ P(X) ≤ 1.
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 P(X) = 1

Let us have an example to fully understand:

Example 1.
Let X be the number of tails when a coin is flipped twice

Number of Tails 0 1 2

Probability 1/4 1/2 1/4

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 Probability distributions for discrete random variables are frequently
given as a table or as a function of X.

Example 2. (Probability Mass Function)

Roll a blue die and yellow die. Let the random variable be the bigger of
the two numbers if they are different and therefore the common value if they
are identical. The sample space has 36 points.

In Table 1, the outcomes are listed together with the value of the
random variable related to each outcome.

The probability that X = 1, P(X=1) = P[(1, 1)] = 1/36. The probability

that X = 2, P(X=2) = P[(1, 2), (2,1), (2, 2)] = 3/36. Continuing we get

1 3 5
P(X =1) = P(X = 2) = P(X = 3) = 36
36 36

7 9 11
P(X =4) = P(X = 5) = P(X = 6) = 36
36 36

We can then write the probability mass function as

2𝑥−1
px (x) = P(X = x) = for x = 1, 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6
36

Note that all the probabilities are positive and that they sum to one.

Table 1 Possible Outcomes of Rolling a Blue Die and a Yellow Die

First number in pair is number of blue die.

Yellow (A) 1 2 3 4 5 6
Blue (D)
11 12 13 14 15 16
1
1 2 3 4 5 6
21 22 23 24 25 26
2
2 2 3 4 5 6
31 32 33 34 35 36
3
3 3 3 4 5 6
41 42 43 44 45 46
4
4 4 4 4 5 6
51 52 53 54 55 56
5
5 5 5 5 5 6
61 62 63 64 65 66
6
6 6 6 6 6 6

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Probability Histogram

Probability distribution can be graphically represented by making a

type of bar graph which is called Probability Histogram. Histogram can be
made by presenting the possible definite values of the random variable along
the horizontal axis. We draw a vertical bar above each value x of the random
variable, having equal height of the probability P(x).

Example 3.
Write the probability mass function of the random variable x described
by the results of rolling a fair die and create its suitable histogram.

a) Since a die is fair, each of the 6 results has a probability of 1/6 or

about 0.17, therefore, the probability mass function is:

x 1 2 3 4 5 6
P(x) 1/6 1/6 1/6 1/6 1/6 1/6

b) Histogram

0.18

0.16

0.14

0.12
P(x)
0.1

0.08

0.06

0.04

0.02

0
1 2 3 x 4 5 6

Did you learn something? Good job! Keep up the good work!
Now, we will proceed to the next part of our topic. We will know deeper
about the mean and variance of a discrete random variable. You can do this!
Let’s go!

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Mean and Variance of a Discrete Random Variable

The mean of a discrete random variable X is described as the

weighted average of the possible values that the random variable can obtain.
The mean of a random variable weights each result xi with respect to its
probability, pi. The other term of the mean is expected value and has a
common symbol of μ. The mean can be defined as:

μx = x1p1 + x2p2 + … + xnpn

μx = ∑ xipi

where:
μx = Mean
xi = Random Variable
pi = Probability

Example 1.
In Panabo City Basketball League, each player shot two free throws.
The number of free throws made by each player is shown by the following
probability distribution. What is the mean of the probability distribution?

Number of Free Throws, x Probability, P(x)

0 0.15
1 0.6
2 0.25

Solution:
μx = ∑ xipi
μx = x1p1 + x2p2+ x3p3
μx = (0*.15) + (1*0.6) + (2*0.25)
μx = 1.1

Therefore, the mean of the probability distribution is 1.1.

The variance of a discrete random variable X measures the increase,

or change, of the distribution, and can be determined by this following
equation:

σx2 = ∑ (xi – μx)2pi

where:
σx2 = Variance
xi = Random Variable
μx = Mean
pi = Probability

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Also, the square root of the variance is called Standard Deviation, σx.

Standard Deviation, σx = √𝜎 2

where:
σx = Standard Deviation
σx2 = Variance

Example 2.
Based on the previous example (Example 1), what is the variance and
standard deviation of the probability distribution?

Number of Free Throws, x Probability, P(x)

0 0.15
1 0.6
2 0.25

μx = 1.1

Solution:
σx2 = ∑ (xi – μx)2pi
σx2 = (0 – 1.1)2(0.15) + (1 – 1.1)2(0.6) + (2 – 1.1)2(0.25)
σx2 = 0.39
σx = 0.62

Therefore, the variance and standard deviation of the probability

distribution are 0.39 and 0.62, respectively.

Let Us Practice

Now, that you have understood the concepts of the topics, let’s try to
solve the following problems.

A. Determine the mean, variance, and standard deviation of the following

probability distribution.

x 2 4 6

P(x) 0.2 0.5 0.3

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 1. Find the mean.

2. Find the variance.

3. Find the standard deviation.

B. Two dice are tossed. Complete the table of probabilities for the sum of
the dice. The possibilities are:

2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12

x 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

P(x) 1/36 2/36 3/36 4/36 5/36 6/36 4/36 3/36 2/36 1/36

4. Find the missing probability.

Let Us Practice More

Constant practice can help us solve these types of problems. Practice
makes the problem easier because of experience. Let us practice more and
keep moving forward!

For 1-3: Verify if the distribution illustrates a probability distribution.

1. P(1)= 0.36, P(2)= 0.28, P(3)= 0.46

X 1 3 5
P(X) 1/3 1/3 1/3

2.
X 1 2 3
P(X) 1/8 1/2 1/16

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 3. Lisa conducted a research based on the basketball tournament she
organized. The number of basketball players living in one house on a
randomly selected compound is shown in the following probability
distribution.

No. of
Basketball 1 2 3 4
player/s, X
Probability,
0.2 0.5 0.2 0.10
P(X)

In the probability distribution above, find the variance and standard

deviation, respectively.

Let Us Remember
Wow! That concludes our topics for this module. It is very easy,
right? Probability is a very important part of our daily life. It helps us to
know about certain things better that can be applied in real-life situations.

Statistics and Probability can be very easy if you just know the basic
principles and practical problems that may enhance your knowledge.
Practice makes perfect! You can do it!

Let Us Assess
Direction: Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a
separate sheet of paper.

1. The probability of each value of the random variable must be:

A. 1≤ P(X) ≤ 4 C. 0 ≤ P(X) ≤ 1
B. P(X) = 0 D. P(X) ≥ -1

For items 2-5. Determine whether the distribution illustrates a probability

distribution

2. P(1)= 0.29, P(2)= 0.44, P(3)= 0.37

A. Yes C. Maybe
C. No D. I don’t know

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3.
X 1 3 5
P(X) 1/3 1/3 1/3

A. Yes C. Maybe
B. No D. I don’t know

4.
X 1 2 3 4
P(X) 1/2 1/3 1/16 1/8

A. Yes C. Maybe
B. No D. I don’t know

5.
X 1 2 3 4 5
P(X) 1/16 1/2 1/8 1/16 1/4

A. Yes C. Maybe
B. No D. I don’t know

6. Complete the following values to make it a probability distribution.

P(1)= 0.27, P(2)= _____, P(3)= 0.35

A. 0.28 C. 0.39
B. 0.38 D. 0.33

7. The number of PUBG players living in one house on a randomly

selected compound is shown in the following probability distribution.

No. of
PUBG 1 2 3 4
player/s, X
Probability,
0.20 0.55 0.15 0.10
P(X)

In the probability distribution above, find the variance and standard

deviation, respectively.

A. 0.89 and 0.76 C. 0.74 and 0.83

B. 0.69 and 0.77 D. 0.73 and 0.85

10
 8. Mrs. Garcia conducted a Statistics quiz consisting of 100 points. Most
of her students’ scores are near 80 points. We can say that the score
of 80 points is considered as __________.
A. Probability C. Mode
B. Mean D. Standard Deviation

For Questions 9-10:

Mr. Perez conducted a basketball game. Each player shot two free
throws. The number of free throws made by each player is shown by
the following probability distribution.

Number of Free Throws, X Probability, P(X)

0 0.20
1 0.55
2 0.25

9. What is the mean of the probability distribution?

A. 1.34 C. 1.05
B. 1.20 D. 1.15

10. Find the variance and standard deviation, respectively.

A. 0.35 and 0.55 C. 0.43 and 0.65
B. 0.44 and 0.64 D. 0.45 and 0.67

Let Us Enhance

A. Blackpink conducted a survey about the number of teenagers living

under one household. They want to determine the number of
teenagers who listen to their new soundtrack ‘Ice Cream.’ The
probability distribution is shown below.

No. of
Teenager, 1 2 3 4
X
Probability,
0.15 0.6 0.1 0.15
P(X)

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 1. Find the mean.

2. Find the variance

3. Find the standard deviation.

B. Complete the following values to make it a probability distribution.

P(1)= 0.29, P(2)= _____, P(3)= 0.44

Let Us Reflect
Probability is everywhere; it is a very important part of our lives. You
can apply it in various situations that can help you solve problems, big or
small. Mean, variance, and standard deviation of a discrete random variable
are just a small part of Statistics and Probabilities. But it can be very helpful
if you understand it. Just practice, you can do it!

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 13
A. 1. 2.25
2. 0.79
3. 0.89
B. 0.27
Let Us Enhance
1. NO 1. 4.2
2. NO 2. 1.96
3. NO
3. 1.4
4. 0.76 ,0.87
4. 5/36
Let Us Practice More Let Us Practice
1. C 1. C
2. B
2. B
3. A
3. D
4. B
5. A 4. B
6. B 5. A
7. D 6. A
8. B
7. B
9. C
8. D
10. D
Let Us Assess Let Us Try
Answer Key
 References

Website:
Chapter 5: Discrete Probability Distributions,” Coconino Community
College, accessed September 17, 2020,
https://www.coconino.edu/resources/files/pdfs/academics/sabbatic
al-reports/kate-kozak/chapter_5.pdf

Random Variables and Probability Distributions,” Iowa State

University, Department of Economics, accessed September 17, 2020,
http://www2.econ.iastate.edu/classes/econ500/hallam/documents/
RV_Prob_Distributions.pdf

Mean and Variance of Random Variables,” Yale University.

Department of Statistics and Data, accessed September 17, 2020,
http://www.stat.yale.edu/Courses/1997-98/101/rvmnvar.htm

Random variables, Expectation, Mean and Variance,” Penn State

University Eberly College of Science, accessed September 17, 2020,
https://web.cs.hacettepe.edu.tr/~pinar/courses/VBM683/lectures/r
andomvariables.pdf

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Email Address: [email protected]