Scribd
Upload
47 views

Module 1 - Random Variables

This document introduces random variables and their probability distributions. It discusses discrete and continuous random variables. Discrete random variables assume countable values while continuous random variables assume uncountable values. Examples of each type are given, such as the number of heads from coin tosses being discrete and the distance traveled in a car being continuous. Students are asked to identify whether example statements describe discrete or continuous random variables and justify their answers.

Uploaded by

Noriko Matsumoto
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
47 views

Module 1 - Random Variables

This document introduces random variables and their probability distributions. It discusses discrete and continuous random variables. Discrete random variables assume countable values while continuous random variables assume uncountable values. Examples of each type are given, such as the number of heads from coin tosses being discrete and the distance traveled in a car being continuous. Students are asked to identify whether example statements describe discrete or continuous random variables and justify their answers.

Uploaded by

Noriko Matsumoto
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 4

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

Statistics and Probability


SY 2021 – 2022

Unit #1: Random Variables and Probability Distribution


Lesson #1: Random Variables

Introduction
Hello, students! What comes into your mind when you hear or see the words “discrete” and
“continuous”? Are you thinking of countable and non-countable things? I hope you do because these
are the concepts behind our lesson.

This module is all about random variable. In this, we will discuss the definition of terms and how to
identify the types of random variable. In addition, we will also compare the types of random variable.

Learning Objectives
After completing this module, you should be able to know the concept of random variables, with 90 to
100% accuracy. Specifically, you are expected to:
a. define random variable;
b. state the difference between discrete and continuous random probability; and
c. provide real life example of random variable.

Pre-requisite Skills / Review


During our elementary days, we have this topic in our English class about count nouns and mass nouns.
Remember their differences? Basically, count nouns are nouns that can be quantified or counted with a
number. Otherwise, if it’s not countable, it is a mass noun.

You might be wondering about the connection of this to our lesson. The concepts behind this elementary
topic can be used in our discussion. How? Let’s see!

Lesson 1.1 – Concept of Random Variables

Random variable is a function or rule that assigns a number to each outcome of an experiment.
 An uppercase letter will represent the name of the random variable, usually X.
 Its lowercase counterpart will represent the value of the random variable.

Page 1 of 4
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Statistics and Probability
SY 2021 – 2022

Example 1
We toss two coins and observe the “number of heads” visible. The random variable x is the number of
heads observed and may take on integer values from 0 to 5.

Toss (X) Possible no. of head (x)


1st 2
2nd 1
3rd 1
4th 0

Example 2
Let the “number of phone calls received” per day by the school be the random variable. Integer values
ranging from zero to some very large number are possible.

Day (X) No. of phone calls (x)


1 5
2 3
3 9
4 4

Example 3
Let the “length of the cord” on an electrical appliance be a random variable.

Appliances (X) Length of cord (x)


TV 3m
Refrigerator 5m
Iron 8m
Electric Fan 6m

Example 4
Let the “qualifying speed” for the race cars trying to qualify for the Subic 500 be a random variable.

Race car no. (X) Speed (x)


1 212 mph
15 200 mph
3 157 mph
21 156 mph

Page 2 of 4
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Statistics and Probability
SY 2021 – 2022

Lesson 1.2 – Types of Random Variables

Discrete Random Variable


 A quantitative random variable that assumes a finite or countable number of values.
 They each represent a count, and therefore there is a countable number of possible values.

Examples of Discrete Random Variable


a. the number of students in a Calculus class
b. the number of books in a university library
c. number of phone calls received
d. number of heads when five coins are tossed simultaneously

Continuous Random Variable


 A quantitative random variable that assumes an uncountable number of values.
 They each represent measurements that can assume any value along an interval and therefore
there is an infinite number of possible values.

Examples of Discrete Random Variable


a. the distance your car travels on a tank of gas
b. the volume of blood drawn for a blood test
c. the cord length of a certain appliance
d. qualifying speed for a race car

Key Concepts

 Random variable is a function or rule that assigns a number to each outcome of an experiment.
 Discrete Random Variable is a quantitative random variable that assumes a finite or countable
number of values.
 Continuous Random Variable is a quantitative random variable that assumes an uncountable
number of values.

Learning Activity

Tutorial Videos

For additional information, watch the following videos on YouTube. Afterwards, answer the following
guide questions.
1. Random variables | Probability and Statistics | Khan Academy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3v9w79NhsfI Page 3 of 4
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Statistics and Probability
SY 2021 – 2022

2. Discrete and continuous random variables | Probability and Statistics | Khan Academy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOr0NKyD31Q

Guide Questions
1. What is the use of random variable?
2. Differentiate discrete random variable and continuous random variable.
3. What are the things or events that we can say that is a discrete random variable? A continuous
random variable?

Enrichment Activity
Identify if the following statement is a DISCRETE or CONTINUOUS random variable. Justify
your answers. Submit your answers with justification (at least one sentence).
1. the speed of a race car in kph
2. the number of soda bottles that Mang Celso collects each day
3. the number of people that play the Scratch-It Cards each day
4. the weight of a rhinoceros
5. the blood pressures of patients at FEU-NRMF Hospital

References

Khan Academy, (2012, December 6). Discrete and continuous random variables | Probability and
Statistics | Khan Academy. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOr0NKyD31Q

Khan Academy, (2012, December 6). Random variables | Probability and Statistics | Khan Academy.
YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3v9w79NhsfI

Page 4 of 4

You might also like