Lesson 1

Exploring Random Variables

Learning Outcomes
At the end of the lesson, you should be able to:
1. illustrate a random variable;
2. classify random variables as discrete or continuous; and
3. find the possible values of a random variable.

Let’s start

TAKE RISKS
IF YOU WIN, YOU WILL BE HAPPY
IF YOU LOSE, YOU WILL BE WISE

In your own words, what is your interpretation to the given quote above?

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 1. Let’s analyze:

Random Variable

A random variable is a function that associates a real number to each element in the
sample space. It is a variable whose values are determined by chance.

Example: Tossing a coin

We could get Heads or Tails
Let the value of Heads = 1 and Tail = 0 and a Random variable “X”

Sample Space Random Variable X Probability

Head 1
1/2

Tail 0

Consider the following examples:

1. Suppose three cell phones are tested at random. We want to find out the number of
defective cell phones that occur. Let X be the random variable representing the number of
defective cellphones. The possible values of this random variable are 0, 1, 2 and 3.

Solution:
You can use tree diagram or listing method to find all the possible outcomes.
1st CP 2nd CP 3rd CP Sample space
Defective Defective DDD
Non-defective
Defective Defective DDN
Non-Defective
Non-defective DND
DNN
Defective
Defective NDD
Non-defective
Non-Defective NDN
Non Defective Defective NND
Non-defective
NNN

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 Possible Outcomes Value of Random Variable X
(number of defective cell phones)
DDD 3
DDN 2
DND 2
DNN 1
NDD 2
NDN 1
NND 1
NNN 2

2. Two balls are drawn in succession without replacement from an urn containing 5 red balls
and 6 blue balls. Let z be the random variable representing the number of blue balls. Find
the values of the random variable Z.

Solution:

1st Ball 2nd Ball Sample Space

Red RR
Red
Blue RB

Red BR
Blue
Blue BB

Possible Outcomes Value of Random Variable X

(number of blue balls)
RR 0
RB 1
BR 1
BB 2

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Two Types of Random Variables

1. Discrete Random Variables

A random variable is a discrete random variable if it’s set of possible outcome is
countable. Mostly discrete random variables represent count data, such as the number
of defective chairs produced in a company.

2. Continuous Random Variables

A random variable is a continuous random variable if it takes on values on a
continuous scale. Often, continuous random variables represent measured data, such as
heights, weights, and temperature.

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 Let’s share ideas:

Name: Score:
Section: Date:
Teacher: Ms. Veronica Anna R. Segunial Activity 1: Exploring Random Variables

Direction. Complete the table below by answering the given questions based from what you
have learned on the previous pages:

Questions Your Answer

1. What do you mean by
Random Variable?

2. Differentiate discrete and

continuous random
variables.

Rubric:
3 points – Explanation is correct and clear.
2 points – Explanation is correct but not clear.
1 point – Explanation is incorrect.
0 point – No answer

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 Let’s keep up:
Name: Score:
Section: Date:
Teacher: Ms. Veronica Anna R. Segunial Activity 2: Exploring Random Variables

Classify the following random variables as DISCRETE or CONTINUOUS.

___________________ 1. The number of female athletes

___________________ 2. The amount of paint utilized in a building project.

___________________ 3. The number of dropouts in a school district for a period of 10 years.

___________________ 4. The speed of a car

___________________ 5. The time needed to finish the test

___________________ 6. The number of eggs in a basket

___________________ 7. Water temperature

___________________ 8. Volts of electricity

___________________ 9. The number of Facebook likes

___________________ 10. The number of diaper changes in a day.

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 Let’s practice your skills:
Name: Score:
Section: Date:
Teacher: Ms. Veronica Anna R. Segunial Activity 3: Exploring Random Variables

Answer the given problem by writing your solutions on the provided spaces.

Four coins are tossed. Let Z be the random variable representing the number of
heads occur. Find the values of the random variable Z.

Possible Outcomes Random Variable Z

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References:

Belecina, R. R., Baccay, E. S., and Mateo, E. B. (2016). Statistics and Probability First Edition.
Manila, Philippines: Rex Book Store Inc.