AIN SHAMS UNIVERSITY

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING

Major Task (Part 1) Total: 15 marks

PHM628: Probability and Statistics
1/32
Name: ID: Deadline: Week 7
Please, Solve each problem in its assigned place ONLY (the empty space below it)

Statistics
Part I
1. Name and define the two areas of statistics.
Descriptive statistics describe the data set and consists of the collection, organization,
summarization, and presentation of data.
Inferential statistics consists of generalizing from samples to populations, performing
estimations and hypothesis tests to draw conclusions about the population.
2. Why are samples used in statistics?
Samples are used to save time and money when the population is large and when the
units must be destroyed to gain information.
3. In each of these statements, tell whether descriptive or inferential statistics have been used:
a. In the year 2030, 148 million Americans will be enrolled in an HMO. (Inferential)
b. Nine out of ten on-the-job fatalities are men. (Descriptive)
c. The median household income for people aged 25–34 is $35,888. (Descriptive)

4. Classify each variable as qualitative or quantitative:

a) Number of bicycles sold in 1 year by a large sporting goods store. (Quantitative)
b) Classification of children in a day care center (infant, toddler, preschool) (Qualitative)
c) Weights of fish caught in Lake George. (Quantitative)
d) Marital status of faculty members in a large university. (Qualitative)

5. Classify each variable as discrete or continuous:

a) Water temperatures of six swimming pools in Pittsburgh on a given day. (Continuous)
b) Weights of cats in a pet shelter. (Continuous)
c) Number of cheeseburgers sold each day by a hamburger stand on a college campus.
(Discrete)
d) Number of DVDs rented each day by a video store. (Discrete)

6. Name the four basic sampling methods.

Random, systematic, stratified, cluster.

1
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7. Classify each sample as random, systematic, stratified, or cluster:

a) In a large school area, all teachers from two buildings are interviewed to determine
whether they believe the students have less homework to do now than in previous
years. (Cluster)
b) Every seventh customer entering a shopping mall is asked to select her or his favorite
store. (Systematic)

Part II
1. Name the three types of frequency distributions and explain when each should be used.
1. Categorical, ungrouped and grouped:

• Categorical: The categorical frequency distribution is used for data that can be
placed in specific categories, such as nominal- or ordinal-level data.
• Grouped: When the range of the data is large, the data must be grouped into classes
that are more than one unit in width, in what is called a grouped frequency
distribution.
• Ungrouped: When the range of the data values is relatively small, a frequency
distribution can be constructed using single data values for each class. This type of
distribution is called an ungrouped frequency distribution.

2. The following two frequency distributions are incorrectly constructed. State the reason why.
a. Class Frequency
27–32 1
33–38 0
39–44 6
45–49 4
50–55 2
Class width is not uniform.
b. Class Frequency
123–127 3
128–132 7
138–142 2
143–147 19
A class has been omitted.
3. Shown here are the number of inches of rain received in 1 year in 25 selected cities in the
United States. Construct a grouped frequency distribution and a cumulative frequency
distribution with 6 classes.
6 37 14 45 22 32 33 49 55
94 38 83 85 40 67 36 67
71 52 52 55 63 49 44 58
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
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Class Class limits Class boundaries Frequency Cumulative Frequency

1
2
3
4
5
6

4. Do Students Need Summer Development? For 108 randomly selected college applicants,
the following frequency distribution for entrance exam scores was obtained. Construct a
histogram, frequency polygon, and ogive for the data.

Class Class limits Class boundaries Frequency Cumulative Frequency

1 90–98 89.5-98.5 6 6
2 99–107 98.5-107.5 22 28
3 108–116 107.5-116.5 43 71
4 117–125 116.5-125.5 28 99
5 126–134 125.5-134.5 9 108

Applicants who score above 107 need not enroll in a summer developmental program. In
this group, how many students do not have to enroll in the developmental program?

Histogram:
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Frequency Polygon:

Ogive:

From the ogive, we can calculate the number of students who need to enroll in
summer developmental program, which is 28.
Hence, the students who don’t need to enroll = 108 – 28 = 80 students.

5. The math and reading achievement scores from the National Assessment of Educational
Progress for selected states are listed below. Construct a back-to back stem and leaf plot
with the data.
Math Reading

52 66 69 62 61 65 76 76 66 67
63 57 59 59 55 71 70 70 66 61
55 59 74 72 73 61 69 78 76 77
68 76 73 77 77 80
Math Reading
9997552 5
986321 6 1156679
64332 7 0016667778
8 0
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6. The state gas tax in cents per gallon for 25 states is given below. Construct a grouped
frequency distribution and a cumulative frequency distribution with 5 classes.
7.5 16 23.5 17 22
21.5 19 20 27.1 20
22 20.7 17 28 20
23 18.5 25.3 24 31
14.5 25.9 18 30 31.5
7.5 14.5 16 17 17 18 18.5 19 20 20 20 20.7 21.5 22 22

23 23.5 24 25.3 25.9 27.1 28 30 31 31.5

Class Class limits Class boundaries Frequency Cumulative Frequency

1 7.5–12.3 7.45-12.35 1 1
2 12.4–17.2 12.35-17.25 4 5
3 17.3–22.1 17.25-22.15 10 15
4 22.2–27 22.15-27.05 5 20
5 27.1–31.9 27.05-31.95 5 25

Part III
1. The average undergraduate grade point average (GPA) for the 25 top-ranked medical
schools is listed below.
3.80 3.77 3.70 3.74 3.70
3.86 3.76 3.68 3.67 3.57
3.83 3.70 3.80 3.74 3.67
3.78 3.74 3.73 3.65 3.66
3.75 3.64 3.78 3.73 3.64.
Find the mean, the median, the mode, and the midrange.

Data in ascending order

Mean = X1 + X 2 + X 3 + + Xn X i
93.1
= i =1
= =3.724
n n 25
Median =  MD =3.73
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lowest value + highest value

Mode =  mode = 3.74 & 3.70 Midrange = 2
3.57 + 3.86
 MR = = 3.715
2

2. For the following data, construct a grouped frequency distribution with six classes then find
the mean and modal class.
1013 1867 1268 1666 2309 1231 3005 2895 2166 1136
1532 1461 1750 1069 1723 1827 1155 1714 2391 2155
1412 1688 2471 1759 3008 2511 2577 1082 1067 1062
1319 1037 2400.

Class Class limits Class boundaries Frequency Cumulative Frequency

1 1013–1345 1012.5–1345.5 11 11
2 1346–1678 1345.5–1678.5 4 15
3 1679–2011 1678.5–2011.5 7 22
4 2012–2344 2011.5–2344.5 3 25
5 2345–2677 2344.5–2677.5 5 30
6 2678–3010 2677.5–3010.5 3 33
To find the mean of the grouped data given, we execute the following steps:
Step 1: Make a table as shown below. Class boundaries and Frequency are already
known to us.
Class boundaries Frequency (f) Midpoint (X) f. X

Step 2: Find the midpoints of each class using the formula:

upper class boundary + lower class boundary
X=
2
Step 3: Multiply the frequency by the midpoint for each class to find the product f . X
for each class. Then the resulting table given below:
Number of order f X f. X
1012.5–1345.5 11 1179 12969
1345.5–1678.5 4 1512 6048
1678.5–2011.5 7 1845 12915
2011.5–2344.5 3 2178 6534
2344.5–2677.5 5 2511 12555
2677.5–3010.5 3 2844 8532
Total 33 59553
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Step 4: Find the mean of the grouped data using the formula given below:
Mean = 
f . X 59553
= = 1804.6
f 33
The modal class is the class with the largest frequency. For the given grouped data, the
class 1013–1345 has the maximum frequency (=11). Hence
modal class = 1013–1345

3. Find the weighted mean price of three models of automobiles sold. The number and price
of each model sold are shown in this list.
Model Number Price
A 8 $10,000
B 10 12,000
C 12 8,000.
3. The weighted mean of a variable X is found by multiplying each value by its
corresponding weight and dividing the sum of the products by the sum of the weights.
w X + w2 X 2 + ... + wn X n  wX
weighted mean = 1 1 =
w1 + w2 + ... + wn w
For the data given to us:

X = price of each model

w = number of each model sold
Hence the weighted mean price of the three models of automobiles sold is calculated as:
8.(1000) + 10.(12000) + 12.(8000)
weighted mean price =
8 + 10 + 12
296000
= = 9896.7
30
4. An instructor grades exam, 20%; term paper, 30%; final exam, 50%. A student had grades of
83, 72, and 90, respectively, for exams, term paper, and final exam. Find the student’s final
average. Use the weighted mean.
The weighted mean of a variable X is found by multiplying each value by its
corresponding weight and dividing the sum of the products by the sum of the weights.
w X + w2 X 2 + ... + wn X n  wX
weighted mean = 1 1 =
w1 + w2 + ... + wn w
For the data given to us:
X = grades obtained by student
w = percentage weightage towards final marks
Then a table can be constructed listing all the values and their corresponding weights,
which is given below:
X w (in %)
Exams 83 20
Term paper 72 30
Final exam 90 50
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Hence the students final average is calculated as:

83(20) + 72(30) + 90(50)
final average =
20 + 30 + 50
8320
= = 83.2
100

5. Calculate the median from the following data:

Group Frequency Class Boundary Cumulative Frequency

60 – 64 1 59.5 – 64.5 1
65 – 69 5 64.5 – 69.5 6
70 – 74 9 69.5 – 74.5 15
75 – 79 12 74.5 – 79.5 27
80 – 84 7 79.5 – 84.5 34
85 – 89 2 84.5 – 89.5 36
n 
 2 − Fm −1 
Median = MD = L + i  
 fm 
 

 18 − 15 
= 74.5 + 5   = 75.75
 12 

6. Calculate the mode from the following data:

Group Frequency
150 - 154 5
155 - 159 2
160 - 164 6
165 - 169 8
170 - 174 9
175 - 179 11
180 - 184 6
185 - 189 3
 f m − f m−1 
Mode = L + i  
 ( f m − f m−1 ) + ( f m − f m+1 ) 
 11 − 9 
= 174.5 + 5   = 175.9
 (11 − 9) + (11 − 6) 
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7. For these situations, state which measure of central tendency (mean, median, or mode)
should be used.
a) The most typical case is desired. (mode should be used as the measure of central
tendency. Since the most typical value is the one that occur most in the data.)
b) The data are categorical. (mode should be used as the measure of central tendency.
Since mean and median cannot be calculated for them.)
c) The values are to be divided into two approximately equal groups, one group containing
the larger values and one containing the smaller values. (median should be used as the
measure of central tendency. Since median, by definition is the middle value that splits the
data into two parts, one containing values lower than median and other containing values
higher than median)

8. Describe which measure of central tendency—mean, median, or mode—was probably used

in each situation.
a) The average number of children per family in the Plaza Heights Complex is 1.8. (mean
was used as the measure of central tendency. Since the phrase “average number of
children” term is used in conclusion of the study.)
b) Most people prefer red convertibles over any other color. (mode was used as the
measure of central tendency. Since “most people” term is used in describing the
conclusion of study.)
c) The average age of college professors is 42.3 years. (mean was used as the measure
of central tendency. Since “average age” term is used in conclusion of the study.)
Part IV
1. Find the range, variance, and standard deviation. Assume the data represent samples, and
use the shortcut formula for the unbiased estimator to compute the variance and standard
deviation:
The normal daily high temperatures (in degrees Fahrenheit) in January for 10 selected cities
are as follows:
50, 37, 29, 54, 30, 61, 47, 38, 34, 61
The normal monthly precipitation (in inches) for these same 10 cities is listed here:
4.8, 2.6, 1.5, 1.8, 1.8, 3.3, 5.1, 1.1, 1.8, 2.5
Which set is more variable?
For normal daily high temperatures:
n X
1
2
3
4
5
6
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7
8
9
10

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………
For normal monthly precipitation:
n X
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

For Daily High Temperatures:

The range is the difference between the highest and lowest data value:
R = highest value - lowest value
= 61 – 29 = 32
The mean is the sum of all values divided by the number of values:

X= =
X 50 + 37 + ... + 34 + 61
= 44.1
n 10
where n is the number of values in the data set.
The variance is the sum of squared deviations from the mean divided by n-1:

=
2 (X − X ) 2

Variance = s
n −1
The shortcut formulas for computing the variance:
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n(  X 2 ) − (  X ) 2
s =
2
 147.6
n(n − 1)
The standard deviation is the square root of the variance:
n(  X 2 ) − (  X ) 2
SD = s = s =
2

n(n − 1)
= 147.6  12.15
The Coefficient of Variation
s 12.15
CV = *100 = *100 = 27.55%
x 44.1
For Monthly Precipitation:
The range is the difference between the highest and lowest data value:
R = highest value - lowest value
= 5.1 – 1.1 = 4
The mean is the sum of all values divided by the number of values:

X= =
X 4.8 + 2.6 + ... + 1.8 + 2.5
 2.63
n 10
where n is the number of values in the data set.
The shortcut formulas for computing the variance:
n(  X 2 ) − (  X ) 2
s =
2
 1.89
n(n − 1)

=
2 (X − X ) 2

Variance = s
n −1
(4.8 − 2.63) 2 + ... + (2.5 − 2.63) 2
=  1.89
10 − 1
The standard deviation is the square root of the variance:
n(  X 2 ) − (  X ) 2
SD = s = s 2 =
n(n − 1)
= 1.89  1.373
The Coefficient of Variation
s 1.373
CV = *100 = *100 = 52.2%
x 2.63

Temp. (0F) Precip. (inches)

Range 32 4
Variance 147.6 1.89
Standard deviation 12.15 1.373
CV 27.55% 52.2%
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So the Monthly Precipitation are more variable, because of higher coefficient of variation

2. Team batting averages for major league baseball in 2005 are represented below. Find the
variance and standard deviation for each league.
NL AL
0.252–0.256 4 0.256–0.261 2
0.257–0.261 6 0.262–0.267 5
0.262–0.266 1 0.268–0.273 4
0.267–0.271 4 0.274–0.279 2
0.272–0.276 1 0.280–0.285 1

For NL:
Class limits Class boundaries

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………
For AL:
Class limits Class boundaries

The data given to us is grouped frequency distribution for the team batting averages
for major league baseball in 2005.
Finding variance and distribution for data for NL
To find the variance and standard deviation of the given distribution, we execute
following steps:
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Step 1 Make a table as shown, and find the midpoint of each class.

A B C D E
Class Frequency(f) Midpoint f . Xm f . Xm2

Step 2 Classes and corresponding frequencies are given to us. List them in column A
and B respectively.
Step 3 The midpoint (Xm) for each class can be calculated using:
lower class limit + lower class limit
Xm =
2
List midpoints corresponding to all the classes in column C.
Step 4 Multiply the frequency by the midpoint for each class, and place the products in
column D.
Step 5 Multiply the frequency by the square of the midpoint, and place the products in
column E.

Step 6 Find the sums of columns B, D, and E. (The sum of column B is n. The sum of
column D is  f . X m . The sum of column E is  f . X m2 .)
The resulting table obtained is given below:
A B C D E
Class Frequency(f) Midpoint f . Xm f . Xm2
0.252–0.256 4 0.254 0.016 0.258064
0.257–0.261 6 0.259 1.554 0.402486
0.262–0.266 1 0.264 0.264 0.069696
0.267–0.271 4 0.269 1.076 0.289444
0.272–0.276 1 0.274 0.274 0.075076
Total 16 4.184 1.094766

Step 7 Substitute in the formula and solve to get the variance.

s2 = 
n( f . X m 2 ) − (  f . X m ) 2
n(n − 1)
16(1.094766) − (4.184) 2
=( )
16(16 − 1)
17.516256 − 17.505856
=( )
240
s 2 = 0.000043
Step 8 Take the square root to get the standard deviation.
s = s2
= 0.000043 = 0.0066
Finding variance and distribution for data for AL
To find the variance and standard deviation of the given distribution, we execute
following steps:
Step 1 Make a table as shown, and find the midpoint of each class.
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A B C D E
Class Frequency(f) Midpoint f . Xm f . Xm2

Step 2 Classes and corresponding frequencies are given to us. List them in column A
and B respectively.
Step 3 The midpoint (Xm) for each class can be calculated using:
lower class limit + lower class limit
Xm =
2
List midpoints corresponding to all the classes in column C.
Step 4 Multiply the frequency by the midpoint for each class, and place the products in
column D.
Step 5 Multiply the frequency by the square of the midpoint, and place the products in
column E.
Step 6 Find the sums of columns B, D, and E. (The sum of column B is n. The sum of
column D is  f . X m . The sum of column E is  f . X m2 .)
The resulting table obtained is given below:
A B C D E
Class Frequency(f) Midpoint f . Xm f . Xm2
0.256–0.261 2 0.2585 0.517 0.1336445
0.262–0.267 5 0.2645 1.3225 0.34980125
0.268–0.273 4 0.2705 1.082 0.292681
0.274–0.279 2 0.2765 0.553 0.1529045
0.280–0.285 1 0.2825 0.2825 0.07980625
Total 14 3.757 1.0088375
Step 7 Substitute in the formula and solve to get the variance.
n(  f . X m 2 ) − (  f . X m ) 2
s =
2

n(n − 1)
14(1.0088375) − (3.757) 2
=( )
14(14 − 1)
14.123725 − 14.115049
=( )
182
s 2 = 0.0000477
Step 8 Take the square root to get the standard deviation.
s = s2
= 0.0000477 = 0.0069
The table below shows the variance and the standard deviation in NL and AL:
Variance Standard Deviation
NL 0.000043 0.0066
AL 0.000048 0.0069
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3. The average age of senators in the 108th Congress was 59.5 years. If the standard deviation
was 11.5 years, find the z scores corresponding to the oldest and youngest senators:
Robert C. Byrd (D, WV), 86, and John Sununu (R, NH), 40.
For Robert C. Byrd:
x −  86 − 59.5
z= =  2.30
 11.5
For John Sununu:
x −  40 − 59.5
z= =  −1.70
 11.5

4. The average teacher’s salary in a particular state is $54,166. If the standard deviation is
$10,200, find the salaries corresponding to the following z scores.
a. 2 b. -1 c. 0
a) x =  + z = 54166 + 2(10200) = $74,566
b) x =  + z = 54166 − 1(10200) = $43,966
c) x =  + z = 54166 + 0(10200) = $54,166
5. Find the percentile rank for each value in the data set. The data represent the values in
billions of dollars of the damage of 10 hurricanes.
1.1, 1.7, 1.9, 2.1, 2.2, 2.5, 3.3, 6.2, 6.8, 20.3.
(number of values below X ) + 0.5 0+ 0.5
1.1 is P =  100 =  100  5
total number of values 10
(number of values below X ) + 0.5 1+ 0.5
1.7 is P =  100 =  100  15
total number of values 10
(number of values below X ) + 0.5 2+ 0.5
1.9 is P =  100 =  100  25
total number of values 10
(number of values below X ) + 0.5 3+ 0.5
2.1 is P =  100 =  100  35
total number of values 10
(number of values below X ) + 0.5 4+ 0.5
2.2 is P =  100 =  100  45
total number of values 10
(number of values below X ) + 0.5 5+ 0.5
2.5 is P =  100 =  100  55
total number of values 10
(number of values below X ) + 0.5 6+ 0.5
3.3 is P =  100 =  100  65
total number of values 10
(number of values below X ) + 0.5 7+ 0.5
6.2 is P =  100 =  100  75
total number of values 10
(number of values below X ) + 0.5 8+ 0.5
6.8 is P =  100 =  100  85
total number of values 10
(number of values below X ) + 0.5 9+ 0.5
20.3 is P =  100 =  100  95
total number of values 10
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5th, 15th, 25th, 35th, 45th, 55th, 65th, 75th, 85th, 95th

6. check each data set for outliers.

a. 24, 32, 54, 31, 16, 18, 19, 14, 17, 20
14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 24, 31, 32, 54
The first quartile is the median of the data values below the median (or at 25% of the
data):
Q1 = 17
The third quartile is at 75% of the data:
Q3 = 31
The IQR is the difference of the third and first quartile:
IQR = 31 − 17 = 14
Outliers are observations that are more than 1.5 times the IQR above Q3 or below Q1 .
Q3 + 1.5IQR = 31 + 1.5(14) = 52
Q1 − 1.5IQR = 17 − 1.5(14) = −4
We then note that 54 is the outlier.
b. 321, 343, 350, 327, 200
200, 321, 327, 343, 350
The first quartile is the median of the data values below the median (or at 25% of the
data):
200 + 321
Q1 = = 260.5
2
The third quartile is at 75% of the data:
343 + 350
Q3 = = 346.5
2
The IQR is the difference of the third and first quartiles:
IQR = 346.5 − 260.5 = 86
Outliers are observations that are more than 1.5 times the IQR above Q3 or below Q1 .
Q3 + 1.5IQR = 346.5 + 1.5(86) = 475.5
Q1 − 1.5IQR = 260.5 − 1.5(86) = 131.5
We then note that there are no outliers.

7. identify the five-number summary and find the interquartile range.

19, 16, 48, 22, 7
A five-number summary of a data set consists of five points:
(1) The lowest value of the data set (i.e. minimum)
(2) Q1 (first quartile)
(3) The median
(4) Q3 (third quartile)
(5) The highest value of the data set (i.e. maximum)
Hence five-number summary of a number is:
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Minimum, Q1 , median, Q3 , maximum

• Computing median:

The data-set given: 19, 16, 48, 22, 7

To find the median of the given data-set we execute the following steps:
Step 1 Arrange the data-set in order from lowest to highest:
7, 16, 19, 22, 48
Step 2 Compute number of values (n) in given data set.
number of values = n = 5
n + 1 th
Since number of values are odd hence the median is ( ) value. Hence median of
2
data set is 3rd value
Median = 19
• Computing Q1 :
Q1 for a given data-set is the median of the data values below the median of
that data set.

The new data-set formed using values less than median ( =19) is:

7, 16
number of values in new data set = n = 2
n n + 2 th
Since number of values are even hence the median is mean of ( )th and ( )
2 2
value. Hence median in our case is mean of 1st and 2nd values:
7 + 16
Q1 = = 11.5
2
• Computing Q3 :

Q3 for a given data-set is the median of the data values more the median of
that data set.

The new data-set formed using values more than median ( =19) is:

22, 48
number of values in new data set = n = 2
n n + 2 th
Since number of values are even hence the median is mean of ( )th and ( )
2 2
value. Hence median in our case is mean of 1st and 2nd values:
22 + 48
Q3 = = 35
2
The lowest and highest data values of given data-set are 7 and 48 respectively.
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• Computing five-number summary:

Finally, five-number summary of given data set is given as:
7, 11.5, 19, 35, 48
The interquartile range (IQR) is the difference of the third and first quartiles:
IQR = 35 − 11.5 = 23.5

8. Construct a boxplot for the following data representing the number of games pitched by
major league baseball’s earned run average (ERA) leaders for the past few years.
30, 34, 29, 30, 34, 29, 31, 33, 34, 27, 30, 27, 34, 32.
To construct the boxplot of given data-set, we first need to find five-number summary of a
data set
A five-number summary of a data set consists of five points:
(1) The lowest value of the data set (i.e. minimum)
(2) Q1 (first quartile)
(3) The median
(4) Q3 (third quartile)
(5) The highest value of the data set (i.e. maximum)
Hence five-number summary of a number is:
Minimum, Q1 , median, Q3 , maximum
• Computing median:
The data-set given: 30, 34, 29, 30, 34, 29, 31, 33, 34, 27, 30, 27, 34, 32
To find the median of the given data-set we execute the following steps:
Step 1 Arrange the data-set in order from lowest to highest:
27, 27, 29, 29, 30, 30, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 34, 34, 34
Step 2 Compute number of values (n) in given data set.
number of values = n = 14
n n + 2 th
Since number of values are odd hence the median is mean of ( )th and ( ) value.
2 2
Hence median of data set is mean of 7th and 8th value.
30 + 31
Median = = = 30.5
2
• Computing Q1 :
Q1 for a given data-set is the median of the data values below the median of
that data set.

The new data-set formed using values less than median ( =30.5) is:

27, 27, 29, 29, 30, 30, 30

number of values in new data set = n = 7
 PHM628: Probability and Statistics
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n + 1 th
Since number of values are odd hence the median is ( ) value. Hence median in
2
our case is 4th values:
Q1 = 29
• Computing Q3 :
Q3 for a given data-set is the median of the data values more the median of
that data set.

The new data-set formed using values more than median ( =30.5) is:

31, 32, 33, 34, 34, 34, 34

number of values in new data set = n = 7
n + 1 th
Since number of values are even hence the median is ( ) value. Hence median in
2
our case is 4th values:
Q3 = 34
The lowest and highest data values of given data-set are 27 and 34 respectively.
• Computing five-number summary:

Finally, five-number summary of given data set is given as:

27, 29, 30.5, 34, 34
Step 1 Draw a horizontal axis and place the scale on the axis.
The scale should start on or below the minimum data value and end on or above the
maximum data value.
Step 2 Located the lowest value, Q1, median, Q3, and the highest data value on the scale.
Step 3 Draw a box whose vertical sides go through Q1 and Q3
Step 4 Draw a vertical line through the median
Step 5 Finally, draw a line from the minimum data value to the left side of the box, and draw
a line from the maximum data value to the right side of the box as in the figure.
After completing these steps, the final boxplot is given below:

The Box Plot:

 PHM628: Probability and Statistics
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9. Starting teacher salaries (in equivalent U.S. dollars) for upper secondary education in
selected countries are listed below. Which set of data is more variable? (The U.S. average
starting salary at this time was $29,641.)
Europe Asia
Sweden $48,704 Korea $26,852
Germany 41,441 Japan 23,493
Spain 32,679 India 18,247
Finland 32,136 Malaysia 13,647
Denmark 30,384 Philippines 9,857
Netherlands 29,326 Thailand 5,862
Scotland 27,789
For Europe:
n X
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………

For Asia:
n X
1
2
3
4
5
6
 PHM628: Probability and Statistics
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EUROPE:
The range is the difference between the highest and lowest data value:
R = highest value - lowest value
= 48704 – 27789 = 20915
The mean is the sum of all values divided by the number of values:

X= =
X 48704 + 41441 + ... + 29326 + 27789
= 34637
n 7
where n is the number of values in the data set.
The variance is the sum of squared deviations from the mean divided by n-1:

=
2 (X − X ) 2

Variance = s
n −1
The shortcut formulas for computing the variance:
n(  X 2 ) − (  X ) 2
s =
2
 147.6
n(n − 1)
The standard deviation is the square root of the variance:
n(  X 2 ) − (  X ) 2
SD = s = s = 2

n(n − 1)
= 57908917  7609.7909
s
CV =  100
x
7609.79
=  100 = 21.97%
34637

ASIA:
The range is the difference between the highest and lowest data value:
R = highest value - lowest value
= 26852 – 5862 = 20990
The mean is the sum of all values divided by the number of values:

X= =
X 26852 + 23493 + ... + 9857 + 5862
 16326.3333
n 6
where n is the number of values in the data set.
The variance is the sum of squared deviations from the mean divided by n-1:

=
2 (X − X ) 2

Variance = s
n −1
The shortcut formulas for computing the variance:
n(  X 2 ) − (  X ) 2
s =
2
 64874621
n(n − 1)
The standard deviation is the square root of the variance:
 PHM628: Probability and Statistics
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n(  X 2 ) − (  X ) 2
SD = s = s = 2

n(n − 1)
= 64874621  8054.4783
s
CV = 100
x
8054.48
=  100 = 49.33%
16326.33
Since the coefficient of variation for the data from Asia is higher, hence starting teachers’
salaries in Asia is more variable.

Classical Probability, Counting Techniques, Conditional Probability

Part I
1. An experiment involves tossing a pair of dice, one green and one red, and recording the
numbers that come up. If x equals the outcome on the green die and y the outcome on
the red die, describe the sample space S
(a) by listing the elements (x, y);
S = {(1, 1), (1, 2), (1, 3), (1, 4), (1, 5), (1, 6), (2, 1), (2, 2), (2, 3), (2, 4), (2, 5), (2, 6), (3, 1),
(3, 2), (3, 3), (3, 4), (3, 5), (3, 6), (4, 1), (4, 2), (4, 3), (4, 4), (4, 5), (4, 6), (5, 1), (5, 2),
(5, 3), (5, 4), (5, 5), (5, 6), (6, 1), (6, 2), (6, 3), (6, 4), (6, 5), (6, 6)}.
(b) by using the rule method.
S = {(x, y) | 1 ≤ x, y ≤ 6, x, y ϵ ℕ}.
2. For the sample space of Exercise 1,
(a) list the elements corresponding to the event A that the sum is greater than 8;
A = {(3, 6), (4, 5), (4, 6), (5, 4), (5, 5), (5, 6), (6, 3), (6, 4), (6, 5), (6, 6)}.
(b) list the elements corresponding to the event B that a 2 occurs on either die;
B = {(1, 2), (2, 2), (3, 2), (4, 2), (5, 2), (6, 2), (2, 1), (2, 3), (2, 4), (2, 5), (2, 6)}.
(c) list the elements corresponding to the event C that a number greater than 4 comes
up on the green die;
C = {(5, 1), (5, 2), (5, 3), (5, 4), (5, 5), (5, 6), (6, 1), (6, 2), (6, 3), (6, 4), (6, 5), (6, 6)}.
(d) list the elements corresponding to the event A∩C;
A ∩ C = {(5, 4), (5, 5), (5, 6), (6, 3), (6, 4), (6, 5), (6, 6)}.
(e) list the elements corresponding to the event A∩B;
A ∩ B = φ.
(f) list the elements corresponding to the event B ∩C;
B ∩ C = {(5, 2), (6, 2)}.
 PHM628: Probability and Statistics
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(g) construct a Venn diagram to illustrate the intersections and unions of the events A, B
and C.

2. An experiment consists of tossing a die and then flipping a coin once if the
number on the die is even. If the number on the die is odd, the coin is flipped
twice. Construct a tree diagram to show the 18 elements of the sample space S.
then:

S = {1HH, 1HT, 1TH, 1TT, 2H, 2T, 3HH, 3HT, 3TH, 3TT, 4H, 4T, 5HH, 5HT, 5TH, 5TT,
6H, 6T}.
(a) list the elements corresponding to the event A that a number less than 3 occurs on
the die;
A = {1HH, 1HT, 1TH, 1TT, 2H, 2T}.
(b) list the elements corresponding to the event B that two tails occur;
B = {1TT, 3TT, 5TT}.
(c) list the elements corresponding to the event A ;
A′ = {3HH, 3HT, 3TH, 3TT, 4H, 4T, 5HH, 5HT, 5TH, 5TT, 6H, 6T}.
(d) list the elements corresponding to the event A ∩B;
A′ ∩ B = {3TT, 5TT}.
(e) list the elements corresponding to the event A∪B.
A ∪ B = {1HH, 1HT, 1TH, 1TT, 2H, 2T, 3TT, 5TT}.
4. If S = {x | 0 < x < 12}, M = {x | 1 < x < 9}, and N = {x | 0 < x < 5}, find
(a) M ∪ N;
M ∪ N = {x | 0 < x < 9}.
 PHM628: Probability and Statistics
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(b) M ∩ N;
M ∩ N = {x | 1 < x < 5}.
(c) M  ∩ N 
M′ ∩ N′ = {x | 8 < x < 12}.

5. (a) How many three-digit numbers can be formed from the digits 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 if
each digit can be used only once?
Any of the 6 nonzero digits can be chosen for the hundreds position, and of the
remaining 6 digits for the tens position, leaving 5 digits for the units position. So, there
are (6)(6)(5) = 180 three-digit numbers.
(b) How many of these are odd numbers?
The units position can be filled using any of the 3 odd digits. Any of the remaining 5
nonzero digits can be chosen for the hundreds position, leaving a choice of 5 digits for
the tens position. By Theorem 2.2, there are (3)(5)(5) = 75 three-digit odd numbers.
(c) How many are greater than 330?
(i) If a 4, 5, or 6 is used in the hundreds position there remain 6 and 5 choices,
respectively, for the tens and units positions. This gives (3)(6)(5) = 90 three-digit
numbers beginning with a 4, 5, or 6.
(ii) If a 3 is used in the hundreds position, then a 4, 5, or 6 must be used in the tens
position leaving 5 choices for the units position. In this case, there are (1)(3)(5) = 15
three-digit number begin with a 3.
So, the total number of three-digit numbers that are greater than 330 is 90 + 15 = 105.
6. Three lottery tickets for first, second, and third prizes are drawn from a group of 40
tickets. Find the number of sample points in S for awarding the 3 prizes if each
contestant holds only 1 ticket.
Three lottery tickets, from a group of 40 tickets are drawn for first, second and third prizes.
Because the order is important, we need to use permutations.
The number of permutations of 40 distinct objects taken 3 at a time is:
40! 40!
P= = = (40)(39)(38) = 59280
(40 − 3)! 37!
10 3

Hence, there are 59280 possible ways for awarding the 3 tickets from a group of 40
tickets.
7. How many ways are there to select 3 candidates from 8 equally qualified recent
graduates for openings in an accounting firm?
We need to calculate in how many ways 3 candidates can be selected out of 8 equally
qualified recent graduates.
The order in which we choose candidates is not important. Because the order is not
important, we need to use combinations.
The number of combinations of 8 distinct objects taken 3 at a time is:
 8 8!
8
C3 =   = = 56
 3  3!(8 − 3)!
Hence, there are 56 possible ways.
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Part II
1. A box contains 500 envelopes, of which 75 contain $100 in cash, 150 contain $25, and 275
contain $10. An envelope may be purchased for $25. What is the sample space for the
different amounts of money? Assign probabilities to the sample points and then find the
probability that the first envelope purchased contains less than $100.
A box contains 500 envelopes, of which 75 contain $100 in cash, 150 contain $25, and 275
contain $10.
Hence, the sample space for the different amounts of money is:
S = {$10, $25, $100}
If an experiment can result in any one of N different equally likely outcomes, and if
exactly n of these outcomes correspond to the event A, then the probability of event A
is:
n
P(A) = .
N
• We have N = 500 envelopes, of which n1 = 75 contain $100 in cash. The
probability of randomly choosing the $100 cash envelope is
n 75 3
P(randomly choosing the $100 cash envelope) = 1 = = = 0.15 .
N 500 20
• We have N = 500 envelopes, of which n2 = 150 contain $25 in cash. The
probability of randomly choosing the $25 cash envelope is
n 150 3
P(randomly choosing the $25 cash envelope) = 2 = = = 0.3 .
N 500 10
• We have N = 500 envelopes, of which n3 = 275 contain $100 in cash. The
probability of randomly choosing the $10 cash envelope is
n 275 11
P(randomly choosing the $10 cash envelope) = 3 = = = 0.55 .
N 500 20
• Among 500 envelopes, there are 150 + 275 =425 envelopes which contains less
than $100.
• Hence, the probability that the first envelope purchased contains less than $100
is
425 17
P(the first envelope purchased contains less than $100) = = = 0.85 .
500 20
2. A pair of fair dice is tossed. Find the probability of getting
When a pair of fair dice is thrown, both can show an outcome of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. If x and y
denote outcomes of two dice then the sample space S for this can be given as
S = { ( x, y) |1  x, y  6 }
where x and y can only take integer values.
total number of elements in sample space =36
Here we have treated both dices as distinct. Which means (x, y) and (y, x) are not
identical.
(a) a total of 8;
 PHM628: Probability and Statistics
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Let us define event A as:

A: On throw of the pair of dice, getting a total of 8
The elements of sample space that belong to event set A are given as:
A = {(2, 6), (3, 5), (4, 4), (5, 3), (6, 2)}
Let P(A) denote the probability of occurring of event A, then
number of elements in event set A
P(A) =
number of elements in sample space S
5
P(A) =
36
(b) at most a total of 5.
Let us define event B as:
A: On throw of the pair of dice, getting at most a total of 5
The elements of sample space that belong to event set B are given as:
B = {(1, 1), (1, 2), (1, 3), (1, 4), (2, 1), (2, 2), (2, 3) (3, 1), (3, 2), (4, 1)}
Let P(B) denote the probability of occurring of event A, then
number of elements in event set B
P(B) =
number of elements in sample space S
10 5
P(B) = =
36 18

3. In a high school graduating class of 100 students, 54 studied mathematics, 69 studied

history, and 35 studied both mathematics and history. If one of these students is selected
at random, find the probability that:
The sample space consists of all students in the graduating class. The size of this sample
is 100
Let us define events that occur if one of the students is selected randomly from the
graduating class:
M: selected students studied mathematics
H: selected students studied history
It is given that 54 studied mathematics, 69 studied history and 35 studied both
mathematics and history. Then
number of students who studied mathematics
P(M) =
total number of students in the class
54
P(M) = = 0.54
100
Similarily:
69
P(H) = = 0.69
100
and M H denotes the students who studied both mathematics and history.
35
P( M H ) = = 0.35
100
(a) the student took mathematics or history;
 PHM628: Probability and Statistics
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the probability that the selected student took mathematics or history is denoted by
P( M H ) :
P ( M H ) = P ( M ) + P( H ) − P( M H )
P(M H ) = 0.54 + 0.69 − 0.35 = 0.88
(b) the student did not take either of these subjects;
the probability that the selected student took neither of these subjects is denoted by
P( M H):
P( M H ) = 1 − P( M H)
P( M H ) = 1 − 0.88 = 0.12
(c) the student took history but not mathematics.
the probability that the selected student took history but not mathematics is denoted
by
P( H M):
P( H M ) = P( H ) − P( H M)
P( H M ) = 0.69 − 0.35 = 0.34

4. In an experiment to study the relationship of hypertension and smoking habits, the

following data are collected for 180 individuals:
Moderate Heavy
Nonsmokers Smokers Smokers

H 21 36 30
NH 48 26 19
where H and NH in the table stand for Hypertension and Non-hypertension, respectively.
If one of these individuals is selected at random, find the probability that the person is
We have the following data:
Nonsmokers Moderate Heavy Total
Smokers Smokers
H 21 36 30 87
NH 48 26 19 93
Total 69 62 49 180

Where H denotes Hypertension and NH denotes Nonhypertension.

Also,
• Let Ns denotes the nonsmokers
• Let Ms denotes the moderate smokers
• Let Hs denotes the heavy smokers
One of these individuals is selected at random:
 PHM628: Probability and Statistics
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(a) experiencing hypertension, given that the person is a heavy smoker;

We need to find the probability that the person is experiencing hypertension, given
that the person is a heavy smoker, i. e. we need to calculate the conditional probability
P( H | H s ) .
• Using given data, we see that there is a total of 49 heavy smokers in the group
of 180 individuals. So, the probability that randomly selected person is a heavy
smoker is
a total number of heavy smokers in the group 49
P(Hs) = =
a total number of individuals in the tested group 180
• Using given data, we see that there is a total of 30 heavy smokers that have
experienced hypertension. So, the probability that randomly selected person is a
heavy smoker who has experienced hypertension is
number of heavy smokers that have experienced hypertension 30
P( H H s ) = =
a total number of individuals in the tested group 180
According to definition of conditional probability, we get:
30
P( H H s ) 180 30
P( H | H s ) = = =  0.6122
P( H s ) 49 49
180
(b) a nonsmoker, given that the person is experiencing no hypertension.
We need to find the probability that the person is a nonsmoker, given that the person is
experiencing no hypertension, i. e. we need to calculate the conditional probability
P( N s | NH ) .
• Using given data, we see that there is a total of 93 individuals that have not
experienced hypertension. So, the probability that randomly selected person has
not experienced hypertension is
P(NH) =
a total number of individuals that have not experienced hypertension
= 93
a total number of individuals in the tested group
• Using given data, we see that there are 48 nonsmokers that have not
experienced hypertension. So, the probability that randomly selected person is
nonsmoker who has not experienced hypertension is
number of nonsmokers that have not experienced hypertension 48
P( N s NH ) = =
a total number of individuals in the tested group 180
According to definition of conditional probability, we get:
48
P( N s NH ) 180 48
P( N s | NH ) = = =  0.5161
P( NH ) 93 93
180
5. Pollution of the rivers in the United States has been a problem for many years. Consider
the following events:
 PHM628: Probability and Statistics
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A: the river is polluted,

B: a sample of water tested detects pollution,
C: fishing is permitted.
Assume
P( A) = 0.3, P( B | A) = 0.75, P( B | A) = 0.20, P(C | A B) = 0.20,
P(C | A B) = 0.15, P(C | A B) = 0.80, P(C | A B) = 0.90.
(a) Find P(A ∩ B ∩ C).
Using the definition of conditional probability, we have:
P( A B C )
P(C | A B) =
P( A B)
P( A B C )
 0.2 =  P( A B C ) = 0.2.P( A B)
P( A B)
Let’s now find P( A B) . Again, according the definition of conditional probability,
we have:
P( B A) P( A B)
P( B | A) = =
P( A) P( A)
P( A B)
 0.75 =  P( A B) = 0.225
0.3
 P( A B C ) = (0.2)(0.225) = 0.045

(b) Find P( B C ) .
………………………………………………………………………………………………….…..…………………………………
……………………………………………………………
(c) Find P(C).
………………………………………………………………………………………………….…..…………………………………
……………………………………………………………
(d) Find the probability that the river is polluted, given that fishing is permitted, and the
sample tested did not detect pollution.
………………………………………………………………………………………………….…..…………………………………
……………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
6. Police plan to enforce speed limits by using radar traps at four different locations within
the city limits. The radar traps at each of the locations L1, L2, L3, and L4 will be operated
40%, 30%, 20%, and 30% of the time. If a person who is speeding on her way to work has
probabilities of 0.2, 0.1, 0.5, and 0.2, respectively, of passing through these locations,
what is the probability that she will receive a speeding ticket?
If the person received a speeding ticket on her way to work, what is the probability that
she passed through the radar trap located at L2?
 PHM628: Probability and Statistics
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P( A) = 0.95
P( B) = 0.7  P( B) = 1 − 0.7 = 0.3,
We have
P(C ) = 0.8  P(C ) = 1 − 0.8 = 0.2,
P( D) = 0.9.
So, the required probability is P( A ( B C ) D) . Because components are independent,
we have: P( A ( B C ) D) = P( A).P( B C ).P( D)
Using that
Method 1:
P( A).P( B C ).P( D) = P( A).[ P( B) + P(C ) − P( B).P(C )].P( D)
= (0.95).[(0.7) + (0.8) − (0.7).(0.8)].(0.9)  0.804
Method 2:
P( B C ) = 1 − P( B C ) = 1 − P( B C ) = 1 − P( B) P(C )
So,
P( A ( B C ) D) = P( A).P( B C ).P( D)
P( A ( B C ) D) = P( A).(1 − P( B) P(C )).P( D)
= (0.95)(1 − (0.3)(0.2))(0.9)  0.804
Let T denote the event that a person will receive a speeding ticket.
• Locations of the radar traps are L1, L2, L3, and L4 and they will be operating 40%,
30%, 20%, and 30% of the time respectively. Hence,
P(T | L1 ) = 40% = 0.4
P(T | L2 ) = 30% = 0.3
P(T | L3 ) = 20% = 0.2
P(T | L4 ) = 30% = 0.3
• A person who is speeding on her way to work has probabilities of 0.2, 0.1, 0.5,
and 0.2, respectively, of passing through locations L1, L2, L3, and L4 respectively.
i. e. ,
P( L1 ) = 0.2
P( L2 ) = 0.1
P( L3 ) = 0.5
P( L4 ) = 0.2
We need the probability that she will receive a speeding ticket, i. e. we need to calculate P(T )
.
According to the theorem of total probability,
4
P(T ) =  P(T | Li )P( Li )
i =1

= (0.4)(0.2) + (0.3)(0.1) + (0.2)(0.5) + (0.3)(0.2) = 0.27

Suppose she gets a speeding ticket on her way to work, we need to find the probability that
she passed through the radar trap located at L2, i. e. we need to calculate P( L2 | T ) .
 PHM628: Probability and Statistics
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P( L2 ) P(T | L2 )
According to Bayes’ rule, we have P( L2 | T ) = 4

 P( L ) P(T | L )
i =1
i i

(0.1)(0.3) 0.03
= = = 0.1111
(0.2)(0.4) + (0.1)(0.3) + (0.5)(0.2) + (0.2)(0.3) 0.27

7. A regional telephone company operates three identical relay stations at different

locations. During a one-year period, the number of malfunctions reported by each station
and the causes are shown below.
Station A B C

Problems with electricity supplied (ES) 2 1 1

Computer malfunction (CM) 4 3 2
Malfunctioning electrical equipment (ME) 5 4 2
Caused by other human errors (H) 7 7 5

Suppose that a malfunction was reported, and it was found to be caused by other human
errors. What is the probability that it came from station C?
7. The number of malfunctions reported by each station and the causes are shown at the
following table:
Station A B C Total

Problems with electricity supplied 2 1 1 4

Computer malfunction 4 3 2 9
Malfunctioning electrical equipment 5 4 2 11
Caused by other human errors 7 7 5 19

Total 18 15 10 43

Let S denotes problem with electricity supplied;

Let C denotes problem with computer malfunction;
Let S denotes problem with malfunctioning electrical equipment;
Let S denotes problem with caused by other human errors.
Let’s suppose that a malfunction was reported and it was found to be caused by other human
errors.
we need to find the probability that it came from station C. Therefore, we need to find
P(C | H ) .
Let’s first find P(C ) . We have
number of malfunctions reports came from C
P(C ) =
total number of malfunctions
Hence,
10
P(C ) =  0.23
43
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The probability that a malfunction came from B is

number of malfunctions reports came from B
P( B) =
total number of malfunctions
Hence,
15
P( B) =  0.35
43
The probability that a malfunction came from A is
number of malfunctions reports came from A
P( A) =
total number of malfunctions
Hence,
18
P( B) =  0.42
43
Let’s now calculate the probability that malfunction report came from A is due to human
errors (i. e. let’s find P( H | A) .
number of malfunctions reports came from A is due to human error
P( H | A) =
total number of malfunctions came from A
7
P( H | A) =  0.39
18
The probability that malfunction report came from B is due to human errors (i. e. let’s find
P( H | B) .
number of malfunctions reports came from B is due to human error
P( H | B) =
total number of malfunctions came from B

7
P( H | B) =  0.47
15
The probability that malfunction report came from C is due to human errors (i. e. let’s find
P( H | C ) .

number of malfunctions reports came from C is due to human error

P( H | C ) =
total number of malfunctions came from C

5
P( H | C ) =  0.5
10
Finally, using Bayes’ rule, we get the required probability as follows:
P( H | C ) P(C )
P(C | H ) =
P( H | C ) P(C ) + P( H | B) P( B) + P( H | A) P( A)
(0.5)(0.23) 0.115
= =  0.26
(0.5)(0.23) + (0.47)(0.35) + (0.39)(0.42) 0.4433

19
Note: We can get P( H ) =  0.4419 directly
43
 AIN SHAMS UNIVERSITY
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING

Major Task (Part 2) Total: 15 marks

PHM628: Probability and Statistics
1/34
Name: ID: Deadline: Week 14
Please, Solve each problem in its assigned place ONLY (the empty space below it)

Part I: Discrete Random Variables

1. Classify the following random variables as discrete or continuous:

a) X: the number of automobile accidents per year in Virginia. (discrete)
b) Y: the length of time to play 18 holes of golf. (continuous)
c) M: the amount of milk produced yearly by a particular cow. (continuous)
d) N: the number of eggs laid each month by a hen. (discrete)

2. Determine the value c so that the following function can serve as a probability distribution of
 2  3 
the discrete random variable X: f ( x ) = c    , for x = 0, 1, 2.
 x  3 − x 
Since f is the distribution function of the discrete random variable X which obtains values 0,
1 and 2, we have:
2

 f ( x) = 1
x=0

2
 2  3 
 c  x  3 − x  = 1
x=0   
2
 2  3 
c    =1
x = 0  x  3 − x 

  2   3  2   3   2   3 
c    .   +   .  +   .   = 1
  0   3  1   2   2   1 
c((1)(1) + (2)(3) + (1)(3)) = 1
1
c(10) = 1  c =
10

3. A shipment of 7 television sets contains 2 defective sets. A hotel makes a random purchase
of 3 of the sets. If x is the number of defective sets purchased by the hotel, find the probability
distribution of X.
x 0 1 2
2 4 1
f(x)
7 7 7

1
 PHM628: Probability and Statistics
Name: ID: 2/34

In order to find the probability distribution of X, we need to find the probability of X being
each of the possible values.
Since there are 2 defective sets and the hotel is purchasing 3 sets, X can take values 0,
1 and 2.
(i) If X = 0 then all 3 purchased sets are among the 5 non-defective television sets
so:
 5  2 
 3  0 
P{X = 0} =
   = 10 = 2
 7 35 7
 3
 
(ii) If X = 1 then 2 of 3 purchased sets are among the 5 non-defective television
sets, while 1 purchased set is among the 2 defective sets so:
 5  2 
 2  1 
P{X = 1} =
   = (10)(2) = 4
 7 35 7
 3
 
(iii) If X = 2 then 2 of 3 purchased sets are exactly the 2 defective television sets,
while the remaining one is non-defective so:
 5  2 
 1  2 
P{X = 2} =
   = (5)(1) = 1
 7 35 7
 3
 
a) Express the results graphically as a probability histogram.
Histogram:
 PHM628: Probability and Statistics
Name: ID: 3/34

b) Find the cumulative distribution function of the random variable X representing the
number of defectives.

Therefore, the cumulative distribution function of the random variable X is:

0 x0
 f (0) 0  x 1

F ( x) = P( X  x) = 
 f (0) + f (1) 1 x  2
 f (0) + f (1) + f (2) 2 x
0 x0
2
 0 x 1
 7
= 2 4
7 + 7 1 x  2

2 + 4 + 1 2 x
 7 7 7

0 x0
2
 0  x 1
7
=
6 1 x  2
7
1 2 x


c) Using F(x), find

i. P (X = 1)
6 2 4
P( X = 1) = P( X  1) − P( X  0) = F (1) − F (0) = − =
7 7 7

ii. P (0 < X ≤ 2)

2 5
P(0  X  2) = P( X  2) − P( X  0) = F (2) − F (0) = 1 − =
7 7
d) Construct a graph of the cumulative distribution function.
 PHM628: Probability and Statistics
Name: ID: 4/34

F(x)
1

6/7

5/7

4/7

3/7

2/7

1/7

x
1 2 3

4. Determine the probability mass function of X from the following cumulative distribution
function:
0 x  −2
 0.2 -2  x  0

F ( x) = 
 0.7 0 x2
 1 2 x
The following figure displays a plot of F (x). From the plot, the only points that receive
nonzero probability are –2, 0, and 2. The probability mass function at each point is the
jump in the cumulative distribution function at the point.
Therefore,
f(-2) = 0.2 − 0 = 0.2
f(0) = 0.7 – 0.2 =0.5
f(2) = 1 – 0.7 =0.3
 PHM628: Probability and Statistics
Name: ID: 5/34

5. A coin is biased such that a head is three times as likely to occur as a tail. Find the expected
number of tails when this coin is tossed twice.
Let T be a random variable which represents the number of tails in 2 tosses of this
biased coin. Also, let X and Y be the random variables which represent the number of
tails in the first and second toss, respectively, of the same coin.

Obviously, T can assume the values 0,1 and 2, while X and Y only assume the values
0 and 1.
The coin is biased in such way that the probability of a head occurring is three times
larger than the probability of a tail occurring. Thus, since the sum of those 2
probabilities must be 1, we get the system of equations:
P( X = 0) = 3P( X = 1) ,
P( X = 0) + P( X = 1) = 1
 3P( X = 1) + P( X = 1) = 1
 P( X = 1) = 0.25  P( X = 0) = 0.75
Of course that also implies P(Y = 1) = 0.25 and P(Y = 0) = 0.75.
Further on, let’s rewrite some probabilities with the help of what we’ve found
out.
P(T = 0) = P( X = 0,Y = 0)
= P( X = 0) P(Y = 0)
9
= (0.75)(0.75) =
16
P(T = 1) = P( X = 1,Y = 0) + P( X = 0,Y = 1)
= P( X = 1) P(Y = 0) + P( X = 0) P(Y = 1)
3
= (0.25)(0.75) + (0.75)(0.25) =
8
P(T = 2) = P( X = 1,Y = 1)
= P( X = 1) P(Y = 1)
1
= (0.25)(0.25) =
16
In (1), (2) and (3) we used the independence of the variables X and Y.
Now, we find the expected number of tails by directly applying the formula for
the expected value of a discrete random variable.
E (T ) =  tf (t )
t
2
=  t.P (T = t )
t =0

9 3 1 1
= (0)( ) + (1)( ) + (2)( ) =
16 8 16 2
 PHM628: Probability and Statistics
Name: ID: 6/34

6. The distribution of the number of imperfections per 10 meters of synthetic fabric is given by
x 0 1 2 3 4
f(x) 0.41 0.37 0.16 0.05 0.01

a) Plot the probability function.

b) Find the expected number of imperfections, E(X) = μ.

In this case, X is a discrete random variable so from the definition of its expected
value we get:
E ( X ) =  xf ( x)
x
4
=  xf ( x)
x=0

= 0(0.41) + 1(0.37) + 2(0.16) + 3(0.05) + 4(0.01) = 0.88

c) Find E x( )
2

In order to determine the required expected value, we will use the formula
E ( g ( X )) =  g ( x) f ( x)
x
2
With g(x) = x
E ( X 2 ) =  x 2 f ( x)
x
4
=  x 2 f ( x)
x=0

= (0) (0.41) + (1) (0.37) + (2) (0.16) + (3) 2 (0.05) + (4) 2 (0.01) = 1.62
2 2 2
 PHM628: Probability and Statistics
Name: ID: 7/34

d) Find the variance and standard deviation of the number of imperfections.

For the discrete random variable X, which represents the number of imperfections
per 10 meters, the following probability distribution table is given
x 0 1 2 3 4
f(x) 0.41 0.37 0.16 0.05 0.01
To find the variance of X, we will use the formula
 X2 = E ( X 2 ) −  X2
Thus, by inserting those values in the formula provided above, we obtain
 X2 = E ( X 2 ) −  X2 = 1.62 − 0.882 = 0.8456
Now, we compute the standard deviation of X by taking the positive square root of the
variance, and so:
 X = 0.8456 = 0.92

7. If a random variable X is defined such that E ( x − 1)  = 10 and E ( x − 2 )  = 6 , find μ and  2 .
2 2

By using the property E (aX 2 + bX + c) = aE ( X 2 ) + bE ( X ) + c we get:

10 = E[( X − 1) 2 ] = E ( X 2 − 2 X + 1) = E ( X 2 ) − 2 E ( X ) + 1
 E ( X 2 ) − 2 X = 9
and
6 = E[( X − 2) 2 ] = E ( X 2 − 4 X + 4) = E ( X 2 ) − 4 E ( X ) + 4
 E ( X 2 ) − 4 X = 2
Now, let’s solve the system of the previous linear equations where E(X2) and μX are the
unknowns.
By subtracting the second equation from the first equation, we get:
 ( E ( X 2 ) − 2 X ) − ( E ( X 2 ) − 4 X ) = 9 − 2
7
2 X = 7   X =
2
By inserting that value back into the first equation we get
7
 E ( X 2 ) − 2( ) = 9  E ( X 2 ) = 16
2
Finally, we’re able to determine the value of the variance as well
2
 7  15
 X = E ( X ) −  X = 16 −   =
2 2 2

 2 4
 PHM628: Probability and Statistics
Name: ID: 8/34

Part II: Special Distributions of Discrete Random Variable

1. In a certain city district, the need for money to buy drugs is stated as the reason for 75% of
all thefts. Find the probability that among the next 5 theft cases reported in this district
• In a certain city district, the need for money to buy drugs is stated as the reason
for 75% of all thefts, i.e. the probability that the reason of theft is money for drug
75
is p = = 0.75.
100
• Let random variable X represent the number of thefts resulted from the need for
money to buy drugs among the next n = 5 theft cases.
• Let the theft resulted from the need of money to buy drugs is considered as a
success (which is p = 0.75), in the number of n = 5 trials.
• Then the random variable X is Binomial random variables with parameters n = 5
and p = 0.75.
• The probability distribution of the random variable X is:
 5
P( X = x) =   (0.75) x (0.25)5− x , x = 0,1,...,5
 x

a) exactly 2 resulted from the need for money to buy drugs.

We need to find the probability that among the next n = 5 theft cases reported in this
district, exactly 2 resulted from the need of money to buy drugs.
So, we need to find P(X = 2)
We have:
 5
P( X = 2) =   (0.75)2 (0.25)3
 2
5!
= (0.5625)(0.0156)  0.088
2!3!

b) at most 3 resulted from the need for money to buy drugs.

We need to find the probability that among the next n = 5 theft cases reported in this
district, at most 3 resulted from the need for money to buy drugs.
So, we need to find
P( X  3) = P( X = 1) + P( X = 2) + P( X = 3)

We have:
P( X  3) = P( X = 1) + P( X = 2) + P( X = 3)
 5  5  5
=   (0.75)1 (0.25)4 +   (0.75)2 (0.25)3 +   (0.75)3 (0.25) 2
 1  2  3
5! 5! 5!
= (0.75)(0.0039) + (0.5625)(0.0156) + (0.4218)(0.0625)  0.3672
1!4! 2!3! 3!2!
 PHM628: Probability and Statistics
Name: ID: 9/34

2. A national study that examined attitudes about antidepressants revealed that approximately
70% of respondents believe “antidepressants do not really cure anything; they just cover up
the real trouble.” According to this study:
a) what is the probability that at least 3 of the next 5 people selected at random will hold
this opinion?
• Approximately, 70% of respondents believe that antidepressants do not
really cure anything. So, the probability that respondent believes that
antidepressants do not really cure anything is p = 0.7
• We need to find the probability that at least 3 of the next 5 people
selected at random will hold this opinion

• Let us consider as success if respondent believes that antidepressants do not

really cure anything.
• Let random variable X represent the number of n = 5 randomly selected
respondents who believe that antidepressants do not really cure anything. The
probability of success (i.e. the probability that respondent believes that
antidepressants do not really cure anything) is p = 0.7.

• Therefore, the random variable X is a binomial random variable with

parameters n = 5 and p = 0.7.

• We need to find the probability that at least 3 of the next 5 respondents believe
that antidepressants do not really cure anything. So, we need to find
P( X  3)
The probability distribution of the binomial random variable X is:
 5
P( X = x) = b( x;5,0.7) =   (0.7) x (0.3)5− x
 x
We have:
P( X  3) = 1 − P( X  3) = 1 − P( X  2)
= 1 − {P( X = 0) + P( X = 1) + P( X = 2)} = 0.8369

b) If X represents the number of people who believe that antidepressants do not cure but
only cover up the real problem, find the mean and variance of X when 5 people are
selected at random.
• Approximately 70% of respondents believe that antidepressants do not really
cure anything. So, the probability that randomly selected respondent believes
that antidepressants do not really cure anything is p = 0.7

- Let us consider as success if respondent believes that antidepressants do not

really cure anything
- Let random variable X represent the number of n = 5 randomly selected
respondents who believe that antidepressants do not really cure real problem.
 PHM628: Probability and Statistics
Name: ID: 10/34

The probability of success (i.e. the probability that respondent believes that
antidepressants do not really cure real problem) is p = 0.7

• Therefore, the random variable X is a Binomial random variable with

parameters n = 5 and p = 0.7.

* We need to find the mean and variance of random variable X.

 = np;  2 = np(1 − p)
The mean and variance of the binomial random variable with parameters n and p are:

So, the mean and variance of the binomial random variable X with parameters n = 5
and p = 0.7 are:
 = np = (5)(0.7) = 3.5
 = np(1 − p) = (5)(0.7)(1 − 0.7) = 1.05
2

3. In a batch of 2000 calculators, there are, on average, 8 defective ones. If a random sample of
150 is selected, find the probability of 5 defective ones.

In a batch of 2000 calculators, there are on average, 8 defective ones. A random sample of
150 calculators is chosen.
Since the description talks about no. of defective calculators in a batch of calculators, no.
of defective calculators is a Poisson random variable X with
8
p= = 0.004
2000
And since 150 calculators are randomly selected.
n = 150
To find: The probability that 5 calculators are defective out of 150 or P(X = 5).
Recall the formula to calculate probability for a Poisson random variable.
e−   x
P( x) = ,
x!
Where x = 0, 1, 2, ... and  = np
In this case,
 = np = 0.004  150 = 0.6
Hence,
e −0.6 (0.6)5
P( x = 5) =  3.56  10−4
5!
 PHM628: Probability and Statistics
Name: ID: 11/34

4. A mail-order company receives an average of 5 orders per 500 solicitations. If it sends out
100 advertisements, find the probability of receiving at least 2 orders.
A mail-order company receives an average of 5 orders per 500 solicitations. 100
advertisements are sent out at random.
Since the description talks about orders being spread over certain no. of solicitations,
number of orders is a Poisson random variable X with
5
p= = 0.01
500
And since 100 advertisements are sent out at random,
n = 100
To find: The probability that at least 2 orders are received or P(X  2).
Recall the formula to calculate probability of receiving x no. of orders when n
advertisements are sent out.
e−   x
P( x) = ,
x!
Where x = 0, 1, 2, ... and  = np
In this case,
 = np = 0.01  100 = 1

Hence,
P( x  2) = 1 − P( x  1)
= 1 − P( x = 1) − P( x = 0)
e−1 (1)1 e−1 (1)0
= 1− − = 0.2642
1! 0!

5. A bookstore owner examines 5 books from each lot of 25 to check for missing pages. If he
finds at least 2 books with missing pages, the entire lot is returned. If, indeed, there are 5
books with missing pages, find the probability that the lot will be returned.
A bookstore owner examines 5 books from each lot of 25 to check for missing pages. If he
finds at least 2 missing pages, the entire lot is returned.
To find Probability that the lot will be returned If there are 5 books with missing pages.
Since there are only 2 types of books, 5 books with missing pages and 20 books with no
missing pages, this is a case of Hypergeometric distribution.
Formula to calculate probability P(x) of selecting without replacement x books with
missing pages is
 a  b 
 x  n − x 
P( x) =   
 a + b
 n 
 
where x = no. of items of type a out of n items drawn, a = total no. of items of type a in the
total population, b = total no. items of type b, n = Total no. of items drawn from the
population.
In our case,
 PHM628: Probability and Statistics
Name: ID: 12/34
x2
a = 5, b = 20, n = 5
Hence,
P( x  2) = 1 − P( x  1)
= 1 − P( x = 1) − P( x = 0)
 5  20   5  20 
 0  5   1  4 
= 1 −    −     0.2522
 25   25 
5 5
   

Part III: Continuous Random Variables

1. The shelf life, in days, for bottles of a certain prescribed medicine is a random variable
having the density function
 20,000
 , x  0,
f ( x ) =  ( x + 100)3
 0,
 elsewhere.
Find the probability that a bottle of this medicine will have a shell life of
a) at least 200 days.
Let X be the shelf life for a bottle of the medicine, i.e. the random variable with the
density function f.

P( X  200) = 1 − P( X  200)
200

= 1− 
x=0
f ( x)dx
200
20000
= 1− 
x = 0 ( x + 100)
3
dx

10000
= 1 − (− ) |0200
( x + 100) 2

10000 10000
= 1+ −
(200 + 100) 2 (0 + 100) 2
10000 1
= 1+ −1=
90000 9

b) anywhere from 80 to 120 days.

120

P(80  X  120) = 
x =80
f ( x)dx
 PHM628: Probability and Statistics
Name: ID: 13/34
120
20000
= 1− 
x = 80 ( x + 100)
3
dx

10000 120
= (− ) |80
( x + 100) 2
10000 10000
=− 2
− (− ) = 0.102
(220) (180) 2

2. Consider the density function

 k x , 0<x  1,

f ( x) = 

 0, elsewhere.
a) Evaluate k.
Since f is the density function, it has the following property:



−
f ( x)dx = 1,
Therefore, we get:
 1

1= 
−
f ( x)dx =  k xdx + 0
0

2 3 1 2k
x ) |0 = = k(
3 3
3
k=
2
b) Find F(x) and use it to evaluate P(0.3 < X < 0.6).
F(x) = 0 for x ≤ 0
For 0 < x < 1
x

F ( x) = P( X  x) =  f (t )dt
0
x
3
= tdt
0 2

3 2
= ( t 3 ) |0x = x3
2 3
For x ≥ 1
x 1

F ( x) =  f (t )dt =  f ( x)dt = 1
0 0

 0, x0

 F ( x) =  x 3 , 0  x  1
1, x 1

P(0.3  X  0.6) = P( X  0.6) − P( X  0.3)
 PHM628: Probability and Statistics
Name: ID: 14/34
= P( X  0.6) − P( X  0.3)
= F (0.6) − F (0.3)
= 0.63 − 0.33 = 0.3004

3. Measurements of scientific systems are always subject to variation, some more than
others. There are many structures for measurement error, and statisticians spend a great
deal of time modeling these errors. Suppose the measurement error X of a certain physical
quantity is decided by the density function:
 k (3 − x 2 ), -1  x  1,
f ( x) = 
 0, elsewhere.
a) Determine k that renders f(x) a valid density function.
Since f is the density function, it has the following property:



−
f ( x)dx = 1,
Therefore, we get:
 1

1= 
−
f ( x)dx =  k (3 − x 2 )dx
−1

1 16k
= k (3x − x3 ) |1−1 =
3 3
3
k=
16

b) Find the probability that a random error in measurement is less than 1/2.
1
We need to find the probability P( X  ).
2
1 1
P( X  ) = P(−1  X  )
2 2
1
2
3
=  16 (3 − x
2
)dx
−1

3 1 3 12
= (3x − x ) |−1
16 3
3 3 1 1 1 99
= ( − ( )3 − (−3) + (−1)3 ) =
16 2 3 2 3 128
c) For this particular measurement, it is undesirable if the magnitude of the error (i.e.,
|x|) exceeds 0.8. What is the probability that this occurs?

We need to find the probability p(| X | 0.8), i. e. the probability P( X  −0.8 or X  0.8).
P(| X | 0.8) = 1 − P(| X | 0.8)
= 1 − p(−0.8  X  0.8)
 PHM628: Probability and Statistics
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0.8
3
= 1−  16 (3 − x )dx
2

−0.8
0.8
3
= 1− 2  (3 − x 2 )dx
0 16

3 1
= 1 − 2. (3x − x3 ) |0.8 0
16 3
3 1 41
= 1 − ((3(0.8) − (0.8)3 ) − 0) =
8 3 250

4. On a laboratory assignment, if the equipment is working, the density function of the

observed outcome, X, is:
 2(1 − x), 0  x  1,
f ( x) = 
0, elsewhere.
a) Calculate P(X ≤ 1/3).
1
We need to find the probability P( X  ).
3
1

1 3
P ( X  ) =  f ( x)dx
3 −
1
3
=  2(1 − x) dx
0

x 2 13
= 2( x − ) |0
2
1 1 2 1 02 5
= 2( − ( ) ( ) − 0 + ) =
3 3 2 2 9

b) What is the probability that X will exceed 0.5?

We need to find the probability P(Y  0.5).
1

P(Y  0.5) = 
0.5
f ( x)dx
1

=  2(1 − x)dx
0.5

x2 1
= 2( x − ) |0.5
2
12 0.52 1
= 2(1 − ( ) − 0.5 + )=
2 2 4
 PHM628: Probability and Statistics
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c) Given that X ≥ 0.5, what is the probability that X will be less than 0.75?

In order to determine the required probability, we need to use conditional probability:

P(( X  0.75) ( X  0.5))
P( X  0.75 | X  0.5) =
P( X  0.5)
P(0.5  X  0.75)
=
P(0.5  X  1)
0.75

 f ( x)dx
= 0.5
1


0.5
f ( x)dx
0.75

 2(1 − x)dx
= 0.5
1

 2(1 − x)dx
0.5

x 2 0.75
2( x − ) |0.5
= 2
x2 1
2( x − ) |0.5
2
0.752 0.52
0.75 − ( ) − 0.5 +
= 2 2 =3
2 2
1 0.5 4
1 − ( ) − 0.5 +
2 2

5. The time until a chemical reaction is complete (in milliseconds) is approximated by the
cumulative distribution function
 0, x  0,
f ( x) = 
1 − e 0  x.
−0.01 x
,
Determine the probability density function of X. What proportion of reactions is complete
within 200 milliseconds?

Using the result that the probability density function is the derivative of F (x), we
obtain
 0, x  0,
f (x ) = 
 0.01e
−0.01 x
, 0  x.
The probability that a reaction completes within 200 milliseconds is

P(X < 200) = F (200) = 1 − e−2 = 0.8647

 PHM628: Probability and Statistics
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Part IV: Special Distributions of Continuous Random Variables

1. Given a standard normal distribution,

a) find the area under the curve that lies between z = −0.48 and z = 1.74.
Let’s now find the area under the cure that lies between z = 0.48 and z = 1.74.
So, we need to find P(-0.48 < Z <1.74) , where Z represent Standard Normal
random variable.
Using Normal Probability Table, we obtain:
P(−0.48  Z  1.74) = P(Z  1.74) − P(Z  −0.48)
= 0.9591 − 0.3156 = 0.6435

b) Find the value of z if the area enclosed between −z and z, is 0.9500.

Let’s find the value of z, if the area under the normal curve between – z and z,
with Z > 0 is 0.9500. In other words P(− z  Z  z) = 0.95.
P(− z  Z  z) = P(Z  z) − P(Z  − z)
P(Z  z) − P(Z  − z) = 0.95
P(Z  z) − (1 − P(Z  z)) = 0.95
2P(Z  z) = 1 + 0.95
P(Z  z) = 0.975  z = 1.96

c) find the value of k such that P(−0.93 < Z < k) = 0.7235.

Let’s find the value of k if P(−0.93  Z  k ) = 0.7235.
P(−0.93  Z  k ) = P(Z  k ) − P(Z  −0.93)
P(Z  k ) = P(−0.93  Z  k ) + P(Z  −0.93)
P(Z  k ) = 0.7235 + 0.1762 = 0.8997
From standard normal table values, we get:
k = 1.28

2. Given a normal distribution with μ = 30 and σ = 6, find the value of x that has 80% of the
normal curve area to the left.
Let’s find the value of x that has 80% of the normal curve area to the left.
From the normal tables, we get, that the value of z that leaves an area of 0.80 to the
left is 0.842.
Therefore,
x−
z=

x =z + 
x = 6(0.842) + 30 = 35.05
 PHM628: Probability and Statistics
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3. Given the normally distributed variable X with mean 18 and standard deviation 2.5, find
the value of k such that P(X >k) = 0.1814.
Let’s find the value of k such that = P( X  k ) = 0.1814..
X − k−
P(  ) = 0.1814
 
k−
1 − P( Z  ) = 0.1814

k−
P( Z  ) = 1 − 0.1814 = 0.8186

P(Z  0.91) = 0.8186
Therefore,
k−
= 0.91  k = 20.275


4. The heights of 1000 students are normally distributed with a mean of 174.5 centimeters
and a standard deviation of 6.9 centimeters. Assuming that the heights are recorded to
the nearest half-centimeter, how many of these students would you expect to have
heights
Let random variable X represent the height of students that follows normal
distribution with mean 174.5 cm and the standard deviation of 6.9 cm.

Assume the heights are recorded to the nearest half-centimeter.

a) less than 160.0 centimeters?

Let’s find how many of these students would you expect to have heights less than
160.0 cm.
X −  160 − 174.5
P( X  160.0) = P(  ) = P( Z  −2.10) = 0.0179
 6.9
Therefore,
E( X ) = np = 1000(0.0179)  18

b) between 171.5 and 182.0 centimeters inclusive?

Let’s calculate how many of these students would you expect to have heights
between 171.5 and 182.0 centimeters inclusive.
X −  182 − 174.5
P( X  182) = P(  ) = P( Z  1.0870) = 0.8621
 6.9
X −  171.5 − 174.5
P( X  171.5) = P(  ) = P(Z  −0.4348) = 0.3336
 6.9
P(171.5  X  182) = P( X  182) − P( X  171.5) = 0.8621 − 0.3336 = 0.5285
Therefore,
E( X ) = np = 1000(0.5285)  529
 PHM628: Probability and Statistics
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c) equal to 175.0 centimeters?

Let’s find how many of these students would you expect to have heights equal to
175.0 centimeters.
X −  175.5 − 174.5
P( X  175.5) = P(  ) = P(Z  0.14) = 0.5557
 6.9
X −  174.5 − 174.5
P( X  174.5) = P(  ) = P( Z  0) = 0.5
 6.9
P(175 − 0.5  X  175 + 0.5) = P( X  175.5) − P( X  174.5) = 0.5557 − 0.5 = 0.0557
Therefore,
E( X ) = np = 1000(0.0557)  56

d) greater than or equal to 188.0 centimeters?

Now, let’s find how many of these students would you expect to have heights
greater than or equal to 188.0 centimeters.
X −  188.0 − 174.5
P( X  188.0) = 1 − P( X  188.0) = P(  ) = 1 − P(Z  1.96) = 0.025
 6.9
Therefore,
E( X ) = np = 1000(0.025)  25

5. If a set of observations is normally distributed, what percent of these differ from the mean
by
a) more than 1.3σ?
Let’s calculate what percent of these differ from the mean by more than 1.3
P(| X −  | 1.3 ) = 1 − P(| X −  | 1.3 )
= 1 − P(−1.3  X −   1.3 )
−1.3 X −  1.3
= 1 − P(   )
  
= 1 − P(−1.3  Z  1.3)
= 1 − P(Z  1.3) + P(Z  −1.3) = 1 − 0.9032 + 0.0968 = 0.1936 = 19.36%

b) less than 0.52σ?

Now let’s find what percent of these differ from the mean by less than 0.52
P(| X −  | 0.52 ) = P(−0.52  X −   0.52 )
−0.52 X −  0.52
= P(   )
  
= P(−0.52  Z  0.52)
= P(Z  0.52) − P(Z  −0.52) = 0.6985 + 0.3015 = 0.3970 = 39.7%
 PHM628: Probability and Statistics
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6. The length of time for one individual to be served at a cafeteria is a random variable having
an exponential distribution with a mean of 4 minutes. What is the probability that a
person is served in less than 3 minutes on at least 4 of the next 6 days?

• Let random variable X represent the length of time for one individual to be served at
a cafeteria.
-X follows an exponential distribution with a mean μ = 4.
-The probability density function of exponential distribution is:
 1 − x /4
 e ; x0
f ( x) =  4
 0, elsewhere
First, let’s calculate the probability that a person is served in less than 3 minutes.
3

P(X < 3) =  f ( x)dx

0
3
1
=  e− x /4dx
0 4
3
 −4e− x /4 
= 
 4 0
= e0 − e−3/4  = 0.5276
Now, we can determine the probability that a person is served in less than 3 minutes
on at least 4 of the next 6 days.
-Using binomial distribution, we get:
6
 6
P( x  4) =    p x q 6− x
x=4  x 

= P( x = 4) + P( x = 5) + P( x = 6)
 6  6  6
=   (0.5276)4 (1 − 0.5276)2 +   (0.5276)5 (1 − 0.5276)1 +   (0.5276)6 (1 − 0.5276)0 = 0.3968
 4  5  6

7. Suppose that a study of a certain computer system reveals that the response time, in
seconds, has an exponential distribution with a mean of 3 seconds.
What is the probability that response time exceeds 5 seconds?
• Let random variable X represent the response time, in seconds.
- X has an exponential distribution with a mean of  = 3 seconds.
The probability density function of exponential distribution is:
 1 − x /3
 e ; x0
f ( x;  ) =  3
 0, elsewhere
Let’s calculate the probability that response time exceeds 5 seconds.
 PHM628: Probability and Statistics
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P( x  5) = 1 − P( x  5)
1 5 − x /3
= 1 −  e dx
30
= 1 − (1 − e −5/3 ) = 0.1889
a) What is the probability that response time exceeds 10 seconds?
Let’s find the probability that response time exceeds 10 seconds.
P( x  10) = 1 − P( x  10)
1 10
= 1 −  e− x /3dx
30
= 1 − (1 − e −10/3 ) = 0.0357
Part V: Joint Distributions

1. Determine the values of c so that the following function represents joint probability
distribution of the random variables X and Y:
f(x, y) = c|x − y|, for x = −2, 0, 2; y = −2, 3.
f(x, y) = c|x − y|, for x = −2, 0, 2; y = −2, 3.

 f ( x, y) = 1
x y
So,
1 =  f ( x, y ) =  c | x − y |= c  | x − y |
x y x y x y

= c(| (−2) − (−2) | + | 0 − (−2) | + | 2 − (−2) | + | (−2) − 3| + | 0 − 3| + | 2 − 3|)

= c(0 + 2 + 4 + 5 + 3 + 1) = 15c
1
c=
15
Hence, the joint probability distribution of discrete random variables X and Y is:
1
f(x, y) = |x − y|, for x = −2, 0, 2; y = −2, 3.
15

2. If the joint probability distribution of X and Y is given by

x+ y
f ( x, y ) = , for x = 0,1,2,3; y = 0,1,2, , Find
30
a) P(X ≤ 2, Y = 1)
We need to determine the probability P( X  2,Y = 1)
P( X  2,Y = 1) = P( X = 0,Y = 1) + P( X = 1,Y = 1) + P( X = 2,Y = 1)
= f (0,1) + f (1,1) + f (2,1)
0 +1 1+1 2 +1 1
= + + =
30 30 30 5
 PHM628: Probability and Statistics
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b) P(X + Y = 4)
We need to determine the probability P( X + Y = 4) by using the definition of the joint
probability function
2
P( X + Y = 4) =  P( X = 4 − y, Y = y )
y=0

= P( X = 4,Y = 0) + P( X = 3,Y = 1) + P( X = 2,Y = 2)

= 0 + f (3,1) + f (2,2)
3+1 2 + 2 4
= + =
30 30 15
c) the marginal distribution of X
Since X and Y are discrete random variables, their marginal distributions are found by
summation and not integration
g ( x ) =  f ( x, y )
y

x+ y
2
=
y = 0 30

x + 0 x +1 x + 2 x +1
= + + = for x ϵ {0, 1, 2, 3}
30 30 30 10

d) the marginal distribution of Y

h ( y ) =  f ( x, y )
x

x+ y 3
=
x = 0 30

0 + y 1+ y 2 + y 3 + y 2y + 3
= + + + = for y ϵ {0, 1, 2}
30 30 30 30 15

3. A fast-food restaurant operates both a drive through facility and a walk-in facility. On a
randomly selected day, let X and Y , respectively, be the proportions of the time that the
drive-through and walk-in facilities are in use, and suppose that the joint density function
of these random variables is
 2
 ( x + 2 y ), 0  x  1,0  y  1,
f ( x, y ) =  3
 0, elsewhere.
a) Find the marginal density of X

By the use of the definition of the marginal density of X we get:



g ( x) = 
−
f ( x, y)dy
 PHM628: Probability and Statistics
Name: ID: 23/34
1
2
=  ( x + 2 y)dy
0 3

2
= ( xy + y 2 ) |10
3
2 2
= (( x + 1)2 − (0.x + 02 )) = ( x + 1)
3 3
b) Find the marginal density of Y
By the use of the definition of the marginal density of Y we get:


h( y ) = 
−
f ( x, y)dx
1
2
=  ( x + 2 y)dx
0 3

2 x2
= ( + 2 xy ) |10
3 2
2 12 02 1
= (( + 2 y ) − ( + 2 y.0)) = (4 y + 1)
3 2 2 3

c) Find the probability that the drive-through facility is busy less than one-half of the time
We need to determine the probability P( X  0.5) .
P( X  0.5) = P(0  X  0.5,0  Y  1)
1 0.5
2
=   ( x + 2 y)dxdy
0 0 3

2 1 x2
=  ( + 2 xy) |xx == 0.5
0
dy
30 2
2 1 0.52
= ( + 2(0.5) y )dy
30 2
21 1
=  ( y + )dy
30 8
2
2 y y
= ( + ) |10
3 2 8
2 12 1 5
= ( + )=
3 2 8 12

4. A candy company distributes boxes of chocolates with a mixture of creams, toffees, and
cordials. Suppose that the weight of each box is 1 kilogram, but the individual weights of
the creams, toffees, and cordials vary from box to box. For a randomly selected box, let X
and Y represent the weights of the creams and the toffees, respectively, and suppose that
the joint density function of these variables is
 PHM628: Probability and Statistics
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 24 xy, 0  x  1,0  y  1, x + y = 1,
f ( x, y ) = 
 0, elsewhere.
a) Find the probability that in a given box the cordials account for more than 1/2 of the
weight.
Since X is the weight of the creams, Y is the weight of the toffees and the total weight
of the box is 1 kg, we know that the weight of the cordials is 1- X – Y.
1
We need to determine the probability P(1 − X − Y  ) .
2
1 1
P(1 − X − Y  ) = P( X + Y  )
2 2
1 1
−x
2 2
=  f ( x, y ) dydx
0 0
1 1
−x
2 2
=  24 xydydx
0 0
1 1
−x
2 2
=  x(  24 ydy )dx
0 0
1
2 1
−x
=  x(12 y ) | dx 2 2
0
0
1
2
1
=  x(12( − x) 2 )dx
0 2
1
2
=  (3 x − 12 x 2 + 12 x 3 )dx
0

3x 2 1
1
=( − 4 x + 3x ) |02 =
3 4

2 16
b) Find the marginal density for the weight of the creams.
We need to find the marginal density for the random variable X:


g ( x) = 
−
f ( x, y)dy
1− x

=  24 xydy
0

y 2 1− x
= 24 x( ) |0
2
(1 − x) 2
= 24 x( )
2
= 12 x(1 − x) 2 for 0  x  1
 PHM628: Probability and Statistics
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5. Suppose that X and Y have the following joint probability distribution:

x
f(x, y)
2 4
1 0.10 0.15
y 3 0.20 0.30
5 0.10 0.15
a) Find the marginal distribution of X
Since the joint probability distribution is given with the table, we will be finding the
marginal distribution g(x) of the random variable X in each value by reading from
the table and inserting those read values in the formula:
g ( x ) =  f ( x, y )
y

g (2) =  f (2, y ) = f (2,1) + f (2,3) + f (2,5) = 0.10 + 0.20 + 0.10 = 0.4

y

g (4) =  f (4, y) = f (4,1) + f (4,3) + f (4,5) = 0.15 + 0.30 + 0.15 = 0.6

y

b) Find the marginal distribution of Y

Similarly, since the joint probability distribution is given with the table, we will be
finding the marginal distribution h(y) of the random variable Y in each value by
reading from the table and inserting those read values in the formula:
h ( y ) =  f ( x, y )
x

h(1) =  f ( x,1) = f (2,1) + f (4,1) = 0.10 + 0.15 = 0.25

x

h(3) =  f ( x,3) = f (2,3) + f (4,3) = 0.20 + 0.30 = 0.5

x

h(5) =  f ( x,5) = f (2,5) + f (4,5) = 0.10 + 0.15 = 0.25

x

c) Determine whether the two random variables X and Y are dependent or independent.

x
f(x, y)
2 4
1 0.10 0.15
y 3 0.20 0.30
5 0.10 0.15
The two random variables X and Y are independent since the equality
f(x, y) = g(x) h(y) for all (x, y)
holds for all values of x and y.
If we check that identity for all combinations of x and y, we get:
f(1, 2) = 0.1 = (0.4)(0.25) = g(2) h(1)
f(1, 4) = 0.15 = (0.6)(0.25) = g(4) h(1)
f(3, 2) = 0.2 = (0.4)(0.5) = g(2) h(3)
f(3, 4) = 0.3 = (0.6)(0.5) = g(4) h(3)
f(5, 2) = 0.1 = (0.4)(0.25) = g(2) h(5)
f(5, 4) = 0.15 = (0.6)(0.25) = g(4) h(5)
 PHM628: Probability and Statistics
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6. A coin is tossed twice. Let Z denote the number of heads on the first toss and W the total
number of heads on the 2 tosses. If the coin is unbalanced and a head has a 40% chance
of occurring, find
the joint probability distribution of W and Z
From the definition of the random variables Z and W, it’s obvious that Z assumes
values 0 and 1, while W assumes values 0,1 and 2.

a) We observe that when Z =1, i. e. when the result of the first coin toss is head, we have
W ≥ 1 or W ≠ 0. Therefore:
f (1,0) = P(Z = 1,W = 0) = 0
Similarly, if Z =0, i. e. when the result of the first coin toss is tail, we have W ≤
1 or W ≠ 2. Therefore:
f (0,2) = P(Z = 0,W = 2) = 0
All other combinations of Z and W are possible.
Let Y be the random variable which assumes the value 1 if the result of the
second coin toss is head, and 0 if it’s tail.
By knowing the fact that the coin is unbalanced, we conclude:
P(Y = 1) = P(Z = 1) = 0.4 and P(Y = 0) = P(Z = 0) = 0.6
From the definition of the random variables Y, Z and W, we obtain
W=Y+Z
Now, we calculate the remaining probabilities:
f (1,1) = P( Z = 1,W = 1) = P( Z = 1, Y + Z = 1) = P( Z = 1, Y = 0)
= P( Z = 1) P(Y = 0) = (0.4)(0.6) = 0.24
f (1,2) = P( Z = 1,W = 2) = P( Z = 1, Y + Z = 2) = P( Z = 1, Y = 1)
= P( Z = 1) P(Y = 1) = (0.4)(0.4) = 0.16
f (0,0) = P( Z = 0,W = 0) = P ( Z = 0,Y + Z = 0) = P ( Z = 0,Y = 0)
= P( Z = 0) P(Y = 0) = (0.6)(0.6) = 0.36
f (0,1) = P( Z = 0,W = 1) = P( Z = 0, Y + Z = 1) = P( Z = 0, Y = 1)
= P( Z = 0) P(Y = 1) = (0.6)(0.4) = 0.24
Thus, we get the following joint probability distribution table
W =0 W =1 W =2
Z = 0 0.36 0.24 0

Z=1 0 0.24 0.16

 PHM628: Probability and Statistics
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b) the marginal distribution of W

We’re looking for the function h( w) =  f ( z, w) . Reading from the table, we obtain:
z
1
h(0) =  f ( z,0) = f (0,0) + f (1,0) = 0.36 + 0 = 0.36
z =0
1
h(1) =  f ( z ,1) = f (0,1) + f (1,1) = 0.24 + 0.24 = 0.48
z=0
1
h(2) =  f ( z,2) = f (0,2) + f (1,2) = 0 + 0.16 = 0.16
z=0

c) the marginal distribution of Z

We’re looking for the function g ( z ) =  f ( z , w) . Reading from the table, we obtain:
w
2
g (0) =  f (0, w) = f (0,0) + f (0,1) + f (0,2) = 0.36 + 0.24 + 0 = 0.6
w= 0
2
g (1) =  f (1, w) = f (1,0) + f (1,1) + f (1,2) = 0 + 0.24 + 0.16 = 0.4
w= 0

d) the probability that at least 1 head occurs.

The probability that at least 1 head occurs is the probability that W ≥ 1. Therefore, we have
the following:
P(W  1) = 1 − P(W  1)
= 1 − P(W = 0)
= 1 − h(0) = 1 − 0.36 = 0.64

7. The joint probability density function of the random variables X, Y, and Z is

 4 xyz 2
 , 0  x, y  1,0  z  3,
f ( x, y , z ) =  9 , Find
 0, elsewhere.
a) the joint marginal density function of Y and Z;

We user the following formula for the joint marginal distribution of the random
variables Y and Z:
g ( y, z ) =  f ( x, y, z )dx
x
1
4 xyz 2
= dx
0 9
2 x 2 yz 2 1
=( ) |0
9
2 yz 2 (1) 2 2 yz 2 (0) 2 2 yz 2
=( )−( )=
9 9 9
 PHM628: Probability and Statistics
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b) the marginal density of Y

By using the same formula, we obtain the marginal density of Y,
h( y) =   f ( x, y, z )dzdx
x z
1 3
4 xyz 2
=  dzdx
0 0 9
1
4 xyz 3 3
= ( ) |0 dx
0 27
1
4 xy (3)3 4 xy (0)3
= ( − )dx
0 27 27
1

=  4xydx
0

= (2 x y ) |10 = 2 y
2

1 1 1
c) P(  X  ,Y  ,1  Z  2);
4 2 3
1
2 1 2
1 1 1
P(  X  , Y  ,1  Z  2) =    f ( x, y, z )dzdydx
4 2 3 1 1 1
4 3
1

4 xyz 2
2 1 2
=  dzdydx
1 1 1 9
4 3
1

4 xyz 3 2
2 1
= ( ) |1 dydx
1 1 27
4 3
1

4 xy (2)3 4 xy (1)3
2 1
= ( − )dydx
1 1 27 27
4 3
1
2 1
28 xy
=  dydx
1 1 27
4 3
1
2
14 xy 2 1
= ( ) |1 dx
1 27 3
4

1 1 2
2
14 x(1) 14 x (2 )
= ( − 3 )dx
1 27 27
4
 PHM628: Probability and Statistics
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1

112 x
2
56 x 2 12 7
= dx = ( ) |1 =
1 243 243 4 162
4

8. Two tire-quality experts examine stacks of tires and assign a quality rating to each tire on
a 3-point scale. Let X denote the rating given by expert A and Y denote the rating given by
B. The following table gives the joint distribution for X and Y.
y
f(x, y)
1 2 3
1 0.10 0.05 0.02
x 2 0.10 0.35 0.05
3 0.03 0.10 0.20
Find  x and  y .
Using the formula we have
 X =  xf ( x, y ) =  xg ( x)
x y x

Where g(x) is the marginal distribution of the random variable X.

(because of g ( x) =  f ( x, y ) )
y

Before we continue, let’s determine the marginal distribution of X:

Now, we may continue from (1):

Very similarly to finding μx , by the use of the formula we have

Where h(y) is the marginal distribution of the random variable Y.

(Because of h(y) =
Before we continue, let’s determine the marginal distribution of Y:
g (1) =  f (1, y ) = f (1,1) + f (1,2) + f (1,3) = 0.10 + 0.05 + 0.02 = 0.17
y

g (2) =  f (2, y ) = f (2,1) + f (2,2) + f (2,3) = 0.10 + 0.35 + 0.05 = 0.50

y

g (3) =  f (3, y ) = f (3,1) + f (3,2) + f (3,3) = 0.03 + 0.10 + 0.20 = 0.33

y

Now we may continue from the mean formula:

 X =  xg ( x)
x
3
=  xg ( x)
x =1

= (1)(0.17) + (2)(0.50) + (3)(0.33) = 2.16

Very similarly to finding  X , by using the formula we have
 PHM628: Probability and Statistics
Name: ID: 30/34

Y =  yf ( x, y ) =  yh( y )
x y y

Where h(y) is the marginal distribution of the random variable Y.

(because of h( y ) =  f ( x, y ) )
x

Before we continue, let’s determine the marginal distribution of Y:

h(1) =  f ( x,1) = f (1,1) + f (2,1) + f (3,1) = 0.10 + 0.10 + 0.03 = 0.23
x

h(2) =  f ( x,2) = f (1,2) + f (2,2) + f (3,2) = 0.05 + 0.35 + 0.10 = 0.50

x

h(3) =  f ( x,3) = f (1,3) + f (2,3) + f (3,3) = 0.02 + 0.05 + 0.20 = 0.27

x

Now we may continue from the mean formula:

Y =  yh( y )
y
3
=  yh( y )
y =1

= (1)(0.23) + (2)(0.50) + (3)(0.27) = 2.04

9. Random variables X and Y follow a joint distribution

 2, 0<x  y  1,
f ( x, y) = 
0, otherwise.
Determine the correlation coefficient between X and Y.

The correlation coefficient is given with the formula:


 XY = XY
 X Y
Firstly, let’s find the variances of the random variables X and Y:
 X2 = E ( X 2 ) −  X2
=   x 2 f ( x, y )dydx − (   xf ( x, y )dydx) 2
x y x y
1 1 1 1

=   x 2 .2dydx − (  x.2dydx)2
0 x 0 x
1 1

=  2 x 2 y |1x dx − (  2 xy |1x dx)2

0 0
1 1

=  (2 x 2 − 2 x3 )dx − (  (2 x − 2 x 2 )dx) 2
0 0

2 1 2
= ( x3 − x 4 ) |10 −(( x 2 − x3 ) |10 ) 2
3 2 3
2 1 2 1
= − − (1 − )2 =
3 2 3 18
We repeat the similar process to find
 PHM628: Probability and Statistics
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 Y2 = E (Y 2 ) − Y2
=   y 2 f ( x, y )dydx − (   yf ( x, y )dydx) 2
x y x y
1 1 1 1

=   y 2 .2dydx − (   y.2dydx)2
0 x 0 x
1 1
2
=  y 3 |1x dx − (  y 2 |1x dx)2
0 3 0
1 1
2 2 3
=  ( − x )dx − (  (1 − x 2 )dx)2
0 3 3 0

2 1 1
= ( x − x 4 ) |10 −(( x − x3 ) |10 )2
3 6 3
2 1 1 2 1
= − − (1 − ) =
3 6 3 18
Next we need to find the covariance of X and Y. From calculating the expected values
1 2
we know that  X = and Y = .
3 3
 XY = E ( XY ) −  X Y
1 2
=   xyf ( x, y )dydx − .
x y 3 3
1 1
2
=   xy.2dydx −
0 x 9
1
2
=  ( xy 2 ) |1x dx −
0 9
1
2
=  ( x − x3 )dx −
0 9
1 1 2 1
= ( x 2 − x 4 ) |10 − =
2 4 9 36
Finally, we obtain
1
 36 1
 XY = XY = = .
 X Y 1 1 2
18 18
 PHM628: Probability and Statistics
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10. If X and Y are independent random variables with variances  X2 = 5 and  Y2 = 3, find the
variance of the random variable Z = −2X + 4Y − 3.
We will use the property that for some independent random variables X1, X2, …,
Xn, we have
 a2 X + a X +...+ a X = a12 X2 + a22 X2 + ... + an2 X2
1 1 2 2 n n 1 2 n

Since the given variables X and Y are independent, by direct use of the statement
from above, we obtain:
 Z2 =  −22 X + 4Y −3 =  −22 X + 4Y = (−2)2  X2 + (4)2  Y2 = 4(5) + 16(3) = 68

11. There are two service lines. The random variables X and Y are the proportions of time
that line 1 and line 2 are in use, respectively. The joint probability density function for (X,
Y) is given by
3 2
 ( x + y ), 0  x, y  1,
2

f ( x, y ) =  2
 0, otherwise.
a) Determine whether or not X and Y are independent.
We check the independence of the random variables X and Y by checking if the
following identity is true:
f ( x, y) = g ( x)h( y), for all 0  x, y  1
Where g and h are the marginal distributions of X and Y, respectively.
Let’s find the functions g and h. Since X and Y are continuous, we have:
1
3 3 1
g ( x) =  f ( x, y )dy =  ( x 2 + y 2 )dy = ( x 2 y + y 3 ) |10
y 0 2 2 3
3 1 3 1
= ( x2 + ) = x2 +
2 3 2 2
Similarly, we find the marginal distribution of Y
1
3 3 1
h( y) =  f ( x, y)dx =  ( x 2 + y 2 )dx = ( xy 2 + x3 ) |10
x 0 2 2 3
3 1 3 1
= ( y2 + ) = y2 +
2 3 2 2
Now, we can see if the statement (1) is true:
3 1 3 1 3
g ( x)h( y) = ( x 2 + )( y 2 + )  ( x 2 + y 2 ) = f ( x, y)
2 2 2 2 2
So, the random variables X and Y aren’t independent

b) It is of interest to know something about the proportion of Z = X + Y, the sum of the

two proportions. Find E(X + Y). Also find E(XY).

For finding out the expected value of Z, we can use the property:
E( X + Y ) = E( X ) + E(Y )
Therefore, let us find the means of X and Y.
 PHM628: Probability and Statistics
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1
3 2 1 11 3
E ( X ) =  xg ( x)dx =  x.( x + )dx =  (3x + x)dx
x 0 2 2 20
1 3 1 1 3 1 5
= ( x 4 + x 2 ) |10 = ( + ) =
2 4 2 2 4 2 8
Equivalently, we get
1
3 2 1 11
E (Y ) =  yh( y )dy =  y.( y + )dy =  (3 y 3 + y )dy
y 0 2 2 20
1 3 1 1 3 1 5
= ( y 4 + y 2 ) |10 = ( + ) =
2 4 2 2 4 2 8
Therefore, we obtain
5 5 5
E ( Z ) = E ( X + Y ) = E ( X ) + E (Y ) = + =
8 8 4
Further on, since X and Y aren’t independent random variables, we can’t use the
fact E(XY) = E(X)E(Y). Therefore, we compute the required expected value in the
following way
1 1
3
E ( XY ) =   xyf ( x, y )dydx =   xy. ( x 2 + y 2 )dydx
x y 0 0 2
1 1
3
=   ( x3 y + xy 3 )dydx
200
31 1 1
=  ( x3 y 2 + xy 4 ) |10 dx
20 2 4
1 3
3 x x 31
=  ( + )dx =  (2 x3 + x)dx
20 2 4 80
3 1 1 3 1 1 3
= ( x 4 + x 2 ) |10 = ( + ) =
8 2 2 8 2 2 8
c) Find Var(X), Var(Y), and Cov(X,Y ).
In order to find the variances of X and Y, we need the means of X^2 and Y^2.
E ( X 2 ) =   x 2 f ( x, y )dydx =  x 2  f ( x, y ) =  x 2 g ( x)
x y x y x

1
3 2 1 11 4 1 2
=  x ( x + )dx =  (3x + x )dx
2

0 2 2 20 2

1 3 1 1 3 1 7
= ( x5 + x3 ) |10 = ( + ) =
2 5 3 2 5 3 15

Again, very similarly we get

E (Y 2 ) =   y 2 f ( x, y)dydx =  y 2  f ( x, y) =  y 2 h( y)
y x y x y

1
3 2 1 11 1
=  y ( y + )dy =  (3 y 4 + y 2 )dy
2

0 2 2 20 2
 PHM628: Probability and Statistics
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1 3 1 1 3 1 7
= ( y 5 + y 3 ) |10 = ( + ) =
2 5 3 2 5 3 15
Now, we have everything required to compute the variances of X and Y.
7 5 73
Var ( X ) = E ( X 2 ) − ( E ( X )) 2 = − ( ) 2 =
15 8 960
73
And completely equivalently Var(Y) =
960
We will compute the covariance using the formula
3 5 1
Cov( X ,Y ) = E ( XY ) − E ( X ) E (Y ) = − ( ) 2 = −
8 8 64

d) Find Var(X + Y ).
Var ( X + Y ) =  X2 +Y = (1) 2  X2 + (1) 2  Y2 + (2)(1)(1) XY
= Var ( X ) + Var (Y ) + 2C ov( X ,Y )
73 73 1 29
= + + 2(− ) =
960 960 64 240