Probability and Statistics 1

5.4 Discrete Random Variables - Medium

Subject: Mathematics
Syllabus Code: 9709
Level: AS Level
Component: Probability and Statistics 1
Topic: 5.4 Discrete Random Variables
Difficulty: Medium
Questions
1. A fair four-sided spinner has edges numbered 1, 2, 2, 3. A fair three-sided spinner has edges
numbered −2, −1, 1. Each spinner is spun and the number on the edge on which it comes to
rest is noted. The random variable X is the sum of the two numbers that have been noted.
(9709/53/M/J/20 number 4)

(a) Draw up the probability distribution table for X.

(b) Find V ar(X).

2. Kayla is competing in a throwing event. A throw is counted as a success if the distance achieved
is greater than 30 metres. The probability that Kayla will achieve a success on any throw is 0.25.
(9709/51/O/N/20 number 3)

(a) Find the probability that Kayla takes more than 6 throws to achieve a success.
(b) Find the probability that for a random sample of 10 throws, Kayla achieves at least 3 successes.

3. The random variable X takes each of the values 1, 2, 3, 4 with probability 41 . Two independent
values of X are chosen at random. If the two values of X are the same, the random variable Y
takes that value. Otherwise, the value of Y is the larger value of X minus the smaller value of X.
(9709/51/O/N/20 number 4)

(a) Draw up the probability distribution table for Y .

(b) Find the probability that Y = 2 given that Y is even.

4. Three coins A, B and C are each thrown once. (9709/53/O/N/20 number 6)

• Coins A and B are each biased so that the probability of obtaining a head is 2
3
• Coin C is biased so that the probability of obtaining a head is 4
5

(a) Show that the probability of obtaining exactly 2 heads and 1 tail is 94 .
The random variable X is the number of heads obtained when the three coins are thrown.
(b) Draw up the probability distribution table for X.
32
(c) Given that E(X) = 15
, find V ar(X).

5. The random variable X takes the values 1, 2, 3, 4 only. The probability that X takes the value x
is kx(5 − x), where k is a constant. (9709/52/F/M/21 number 4)

(a) Draw up the probability distribution table for X, in terms of k.

(b) Show that V ar(X) = 1.05.

6. Sharma knows that she has 3 tins of carrots, 2 tins of peas and 2 tins of sweetcorn in her cupboard.
All the tins are the same shape and size, but the labels have all been removed, so Sharma does not
know what each tin contains.
Sharma wants carrots for her meal, and she starts opening the tins one at a time, chosen randomly,
until she opens a tin of carrots. The random variable X is the number of tins she needs to open.
(9709/51/M/J/21 number 7)
6
(a) Show that P (X = 3) = 35
.
(b) Draw up the probability distribution table for X.
(c) Find V ar(X).

1
 7. A fair spinner has sides numbered 1, 2, 2. Another fair spinner has sides numbered −2, 0, 1. Each
spinner is spun. The number on the side on which the spinner comes to rest is noted. The random
variable X is the sum of the numbers for the two spinners. (9709/52/M/J/21 number 4)

(a) Draw up the probability distribution table for X.

(b) Find E(X) and V ar(X).

8. The random variable X can take only the values −2, −1, 0, 1, 2. The probability distribution table
of X is given in the following table. (9709/53/M/J/21 number 2)

x -2 -1 0 1 2
P (X = x) p p 0.1 q q

Given that P (X ≥ 0) = 3P (X < 0), find the values of p and q.

9. Three fair six-sided dice, each with faces marked 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 are thrown at the same time,
repeatedly. For a single throw of the three dice, the score is the sum of the numbers on the top
faces. (9709/53/M/J/21 number 4)

(a) Find the probability that the score is 4 on a single throw of the three dice.
(b) Find the probability that a score of 18 is obtained for the first time on the 5th throw of the
three dice.

10. A fair spinner has edges numbered 0, 1, 2, 2. Another fair spinner has edges numbered −1, 0, 1.
Each spinner is spun. The number on the edge on which the spinner comes to rest is noted. The
random variable X is the sum of the numbers for the two spinners. (9709/51/O/N/21 number 4)

(a) Draw up the probability distribution table for X.

(b) Find V ar(X).

11. In a game, Jim throws three darts at a board. This is called a ’turn’. The centre of the board is
called the bull’s-eye.
The random variable X is the number of darts in a turn that hit the bull’s-eye. The probability
distribution of X is given in the following table. (9709/53/O/N/21 number 6)

x 0 1 2 3
P (X = x) 0.6 p q 0.05

It is given that E(X) = 0.55.

(a) Find the values of p and q.

(b) Find V ar(X). Jim is practicing for a competition and he repeatedly throws three darts at
the board.
(c) Find the probability that X = 1 in at least 3 of the 12 randomly chosen turns.
(d) Find the probability that Jim first succeeds in hitting the bull’s-eye with all three darts on his
9th turn.

2
12. In a certain country, the probability of more than 10cm of rain on any particular day is 0.18,
independently of the weather on any other day. (9709/52/F/M/22 number 2)

(a) Find the probability that in a randomly chosen 7-day period, more than 2 days have more than
10cm of rain.
(b) For 3 randomly chosen 7-day periods, find the probability that exactly 2 of these periods have
at least one day with more than 10cm of rain.

13. The random variable X takes the values −2, 1, 2, 3. It is given that P (X = x) = kx2 , where k is
a constant. (9709/53/M/J/22 number 3)

(a) Draw up the probability distribution table for X, giving the probabilities as numerical fractions.
(b) Find E(X) and V ar(X).

14. The probability distribution table for a random variable X is shown below. (9709/51/O/N/22
number 1)

x -2 -1 0.5 1 2
P (X = x) 0.12 p q 0.16 0.3

Given that E(X) = 0.28, find the value of p and the value of q.

15. Company A produces bags of sugar. An inspector finds that on average 10% of the bags are
underweight. (9709/53/O/N/22 number 5a) 10 bags are chosen at random. Find the probability
that fewer than 3 of these bags are underweight.

16. 80% of the residents of Kinwawa are in favour of a leisure centre being built in the town.
20 residents of Kinwawa are chosen at random and asked, in turn, whether they are in favour of the
leisure centre. (9709/52/F/M/23 number 3)

(a) Find the probability that more than 17 of these residents are in favour of the leisure centre.
(b) Find the probability that the 5th person asked is the first person who is not in favour of the
leisure centre.
(c) Find the probability that the 7th person asked is the second person who is not in favour of the
leisure centre.

17. A children’s wildlife magazine is published every Monday. For the next 12 weeks it will include a
model animal as a free gift. There are five different models: tiger, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant
and buffalo, each with the same probability of being included in the magazine. (9709/51/M/J/23
number 7)
Sahim buys one copy of the magazine every Monday.

(a) Find the probability that the first time that the free gift is an elephant is before the 6th Monday.
(b) Find the probability that Sahim will get more than two leopards in the 12 magazines.
(c) Find the probability that after 5 weeks Sahim has exactly one of each animal.

18. The random variable X takes the values −2, 2 and 3. It is given that

P (X = x) = k x2 − 1

where k is a constant. (9709/52/M/J/23 number 1)

3
 (a) Draw up the probability distribution table for X, giving the probabilities as numerical fractions.
(b) Find E(X) and V ar(X).

19. A fair 5-sided spinner has five sides labelled 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. The spinner is spun repeatedly until a 2
is obtained on the side on which the spinner lands. The random variable X denotes the number of
spins required. (9709/52/M/J/23 number 4)

(a) Find P (X = 4).

(b) Find P (X < 6).
Two fair 5-sided spinners, each with sides labelled 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 are spun at the same time.
If the numbers obtained are equal, the score is 0. Otherwise, the score is the higher number
minus the lower number.
(c) Find the probability that the score is greater than 0 given that the score is not equal to 2.
The two spinners are spun at the same time repeatedly.
(d) For 9 randomly chosen spins of the two spins, find the probability that the score is greater
than 2 on at least 3 occasions.

20. The random variable X takes the values 1, 2, 3, 4. It is given that P (X = x) = kx(x + a), where
k and a are constants. (9709/53/M/J/23 number 3)

(a) Given that P (X = 4) = 3P (X = 2), find the value of a and find the value of k.
(b) Draw up the probability distribution table for X, giving the probabilities as numerical fractions.
(c) Given that E(X) = 3.2, find V ar(X).

21. George has a fair 5-sided spinner with sides labelled 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. He spins the spinner and notes
the number on the side on which the spinner lands. (9709/52/O/N/23 number 2)

(a) Find the probability that it takes fewer than 7 spins for George to obtain a 5.
George spins the spinner 10 times.
(b) Find the probability that he obtains a 5 more than 4 times but fewer than 8 times.

22. Becky sometimes works in an office and sometimes works at home. The random variable X denotes
the number of days that she works at home in any given week. It is given that

P (X = x) = kx(x + 1)

where k is a constant and x = 1, 2, 3 or 4 only. (9709/53/O/N/23 number 1)

(a) Draw up the probability distribution table for X, giving the probabilities as numerical fractions.
(b) Find E(X) and V ar(X).

4
Answers
1. A fair four-sided spinner has edges numbered 1, 2, 2, 3. A fair three-sided spinner has edges
numbered −2, −1, 1. Each spinner is spun and the number on the edge on which it comes to
rest is noted. The random variable X is the sum of the two numbers that have been noted.
(9709/53/M/J/20 number 4)
(a) Draw up the probability distribution table for X.

Let’s start by drawing a possibility space diagram,

3 1 2 4
four-sided spinner

2 0 1 3

2 0 1 3

1 −1 0 2

-2 -1 1
three-sided spinner

Read off the values from the possibility space diagram and draw the probability
distribution table,

x -1 0 1 2 3 4
1 3 3 2 2 1
P (X = x) 12 12 12 12 12 12

(b) Find V ar(X).

Let’s start by finding the mean,

E(X) = Σxp

Use the values in the probability distribution table,

1 3 3 2 2 1
E(X) = −1 × +0× +1× +2× +3× +4×
12 12 12 12 12 12
4
E(X) =
3

The formula for variance is,

V ar(X) = Σx2 p − [E(X)]2

5
 Let’s find Σx2 p,
1 3 3 2 2 1
Σx2 p = (−1)2 × + 02 × + 12 × + 22 × + 32 × + 42 ×
12 12 12 12 12 12
23
Σx2 p =
6

Substitute into the formula for variance,

 2
23 4
V ar(X) = −
6 3

This simplifies to give,

V ar(X) = 2.06

Therefore, the final answer is,

V ar(X) = 2.06

2. Kayla is competing in a throwing event. A throw is counted as a success if the distance achieved
is greater than 30 metres. The probability that Kayla will achieve a success on any throw is 0.25.
(9709/51/O/N/20 number 3)

(a) Find the probability that Kayla takes more than 6 throws to achieve a success.

Let’s define our random variable,

X − r.v, number of throws until a success is achieved

Let’s define its distribution,

X ∼ Geo (0.25)

We are solving,
P (X > 6)

We can use the formula,

P (X > r) = q r
P (X > 6) = 0.756

This simplifies to give,

P (X > 6) = 0.178

Therefore, the final answer is,

P (X > 6) = 0.178

(b) Find the probability that for a random sample of 10 throws, Kayla achieves at least 3 successes.

Let’s define our random variable,

X − r.v, number of throws in which a success is achieved

6
 Let’s define its distribution,
X ∼ B (10, 0.25)

We are solving,
P (X ≥ 3)

We can rewrite this as,

P (X ≥ 3) = 1 − P (X < 3)

Use the formula for binomial probabilities,

P (X ≥ 3) = 1 0.7510 +10 C1 × 0.25 × 0.759 +10 C2 × 0.252 × 0.758

 

This simplifies to give,

P (X ≥ 3) = 1 − (0.0563135 + 0.1877117 + 0.2815676)

P (X ≥ 3) = 0.474

Therefore, the final answer is,

P (X ≥ 3) = 0.474

3. The random variable X takes each of the values 1, 2, 3, 4 with probability 41 . Two independent
values of X are chosen at random. If the two values of X are the same, the random variable Y
takes that value. Otherwise, the value of Y is the larger value of X minus the smaller value of X.
(9709/51/O/N/20 number 4)

(a) Draw up the probability distribution table for Y .

Let’s draw up a possibility space diagram,

4 3 2 1 4

3 2 1 3 1
value 1

2 1 2 1 2

1 1 1 2 3

1 2 3 4
value 2

7
 Read off the values from the diagram and draw the probability distribution table,

x 1 2 3 4
7 5 3 1
P (X = x) 16 16 16 16

(b) Find the probability that Y = 2 given that Y is even.

This is conditional probability,

P (A ∩ B)
P (B|A) =
P (A)

A - Y is even
B-Y=2
A ∩ B - Y is even and Y = 2

Let’s start by finding the probability that Y is even,

P (A) = P (Y = 2, 4)
6
P (A) =
16

Now let’s find the probability that Y = 2,

P (A ∩ B) = P (Y = 2)
5
P (A ∩ B) =
16

Now let’s substitute into the formula for conditional probability,

5 6
P (B|A) = ÷
16 16

This simplifies to give,

5
P (B|A) =
6

Therefore, the final answer is,

5
P (B|A) =
6
4. Three coins A, B and C are each thrown once. (9709/53/O/N/20 number 6)

• Coins A and B are each biased so that the probability of obtaining a head is 2
3
• Coin C is biased so that the probability of obtaining a head is 4
5

(a) Show that the probability of obtaining exactly 2 heads and 1 tail is 94 .

8
 We can write this as,

P (HA HB TC ) + P (TA HB HC ) + P (HA TB HC )

2 2 1 1 2 4 2 1 4
× × + × × + × ×
3 3 5 3 3 5 3 3 5

This simplifies to give,

20
45
4
9

Therefore, the final answer is,

4
9
The random variable X is the number of heads obtained when the three coins are thrown.
(b) Draw up the probability distribution table for X.

X can take up the following values,

X = 0, 1, 2, 3

Let’s find the probability that X = 0,

P (X = 0) = P (TA TB TC )
1 1 1
P (X = 0) = × ×
3 3 5
1
P (X = 0) =
45

Let’s find the probability that X = 1,

P (X = 1) = P (HA TB TC ) + P (TA HB TC ) + P (TA TB HC )

2 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 4
P (X = 1) = × × + × × + × ×
3 3 5 3 3 5 3 3 5
8
P (X = 1) =
45

We already calculate the probability that X = 2 in part (a),

20
P (X = 2) =
45

Let’s find the probability that X = 3,

P (X = 3) = P (HA HB HC )
2 2 4
P (X = 3) = × ×
3 3 5
16
P (X = 3) =
45
9
 Now let’s draw our probability distribution table,

x 0 1 2 3
1 8 20 16
P (X = x) 45 45 45 45

32
(c) Given that E(X) = 15
, find V ar(X).

The formula for variance is,

V ar(X) = Σx2 p − [E(X)]2

Let’s find Σx2 p,

1 8 20 16
Σx2 p = 02 × + 12 × + 22 × + 32 ×
45 45 45 45
232
Σx2 p =
45

Substitute into the formula for variance,

 2
232 32
V ar(X) = −
45 15
136
V ar(X) =
225

Therefore, the final answer is,

136
V ar(X) =
225
5. The random variable X takes the values 1, 2, 3, 4 only. The probability that X takes the value x
is kx(5 − x), where k is a constant. (9709/52/F/M/21 number 4)
(a) Draw up the probability distribution table for X, in terms of k.

Let’s find the probability that X = 1,

P (X = 1) = k(1)(5 − 1)

P (X = 1) = 4k

Let’s find the probability that X = 2,

P (X = 2) = k(2)(5 − 2)

P (X = 2) = 6k

Let’s find the probability that X = 3,

P (X = 3) = k(3)(5 − 3)

P (X = 3) = 6k

10
 Let’s find the probability that X = 4,

P (X = 4) = k(4)(5 − 4)

P (X = 4) = 4k

Now let’s draw our probability distribution table,

x 1 2 3 4
P (X = x) 4k 6k 6k 4k

(b) Show that V ar(X) = 1.05.

The formula for variance is,

V ar(X) = Σx2 p − [E(X)]2

Let’s start by finding the mean,

E(X) = Σxp

We need to first evaluate k. In the probability distribution table, all the probabilities
add up to 1,
4k + 6k + 6k + 4k = 1
20k = 1
1
k=
20

Now let’s find our mean,

4 6 6 4
E(X) = 1 × +2× +3× +4×
20 20 20 20
E(X) = 2.5

Now let’s find Σx2 p,

4 6 6 4
Σx2 p = 12 × + 22 × + 32 × + 42 ×
20 20 20 20
Σx2 p = 7.3

Substitute into the formula for variance,

V ar(X) = 7.3 − 2.52

V ar(X) = 1.05

11
 Therefore, the final answer is,
V ar(X) = 1.05

6. Sharma knows that she has 3 tins of carrots, 2 tins of peas and 2 tins of sweetcorn in her cupboard.
All the tins are the same shape and size, but the labels have all been removed, so Sharma does not
know what each tin contains. Sharma wants carrots for her meal, and she starts opening the tins
one at a time, chosen randomly, until she opens a tin of carrots. The random variable X is the
number of tins she needs to open. (9709/51/M/J/21 number 7)
6
(a) Show that P (X = 3) = 35
.

If it takes her three tries it must mean that the first two tins she opens do not
contain carrots, and the third one contains carrots,
4 3 3
P (X = 3) = × ×
7 6 5
6
P (X = 3) =
35

Therefore, the final answer is,

6
P (X = 3) =
35
(b) Draw up the probability distribution table for X.

There are only 4 other tins that do not contain 4 carrots. This means that it will
take, at most, 5 tins to find a tins containing carrots. This means that X takes the
values,
X = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Let’s find the probability that X = 1,

3
P (X = 1) =
7

Let’s find the probability that X = 2 (the first one does not contain carrots and the
second one does),
4 3
P (X = 2) = ×
7 6
2
P (X = 2) =
7

We already found the probability that X = 3,

6
P (X = 3) =
35

Let’s find the probability that X = 4 (the first three do not contain carrots and the
fourth one does),
4 3 2 3
P (X = 4) = × × ×
7 6 5 4
3
P (X = 4) =
35
12
 Let’s find the probability that X = 5 (the first four do not contain carrots and the
fifth one does),
4 3 2 1 3
P (X = 5) = × × × ×
7 6 5 4 3
1
P (X = 5) =
35

Now let’s draw the probability distribution table,

x 1 2 3 4 5
3 2 6 3 1
P (X = x) 7 7 35 35 35

(c) Find V ar(X).

Let’s start by finding the mean,

3 2 6 3 1
E(X) = 1 × +2× +3× +4× +5×
7 7 35 35 35
E(X) = 2

The formula for variance is,

V ar(X) = Σx2 p − [E(X)]2

Let’s find Σx2 p,

3 2 6 3 1
Σx2 p = 12 × + 2 2 × + 32 × + 42 × + 52 ×
7 7 35 35 35
182
Σx2 p =
35

Substitute into the formula for variance,

182
V ar(X) = − 22
35
V ar(X) = 1.2

Therefore, the final answer is,

V ar(X) = 1.2

7. A fair spinner has sides numbered 1, 2, 2. Another fair spinner has sides numbered −2, 0, 1. Each
spinner is spun. The number on the side on which the spinner comes to rest is noted. The random
variable X is the sum of the numbers for the two spinners. (9709/52/M/J/21 number 4)

(a) Draw up the probability distribution table for X.

13
 Let’s start by drawing a possibility space diagram,

2 0 2 3

spinner 1
2 0 2 3

1 −1 1 2

-2 0 1
spinner 2

Read off the values from the diagram. Now let’s draw our probability distribution
table,
x −1 0 1 2 3
1 2 1 3 2
P (X = x) 9 9 9 9 9

(b) Find E(X) and V ar(X).

Let’s start by finding the mean,

E(X) = Σxp
1 2 1 3 2
E(X) = −1 × +0× +1× +2× +3×
9 9 9 9 9
4
E(X) =
3

The formula for variance is,

V ar(X) = Σx2 p − [E(X)]2

Let’s find Σx2 p,

1 2 1 3 2
Σx2 p = (−1)2 × + 02 × + 12 × + 22 × + 32 ×
9 9 9 9 9
32
Σx2 p =
9

Substitute into the formula for variance,

 2
32 4
V ar(X) = −
9 3
16
V ar(X) =
9
14
 Therefore, the final answer is,
4 16
E(X) = V ar(X) =
3 9
8. The random variable X can take only the values −2, −1, 0, 1, 2. The probability distribution table
of X is given in the following table. (9709/53/M/J/21 number 2)

x -2 -1 0 1 2
P (X = x) p p 0.1 q q

Given that P (X ≥ 0) = 3P (X < 0), find the values of p and q.

The probabilities, P (X = x), add up to 1,

P (X = x) = 1

p + p + 0.1 + q + q = 1
2p + 0.1 + 2q = 1
2p + 2q = 0.9

We are also given that,

P (X ≥ 0) = 3P (X < 0)
P (X = 0, 1, 2) = 3P (X = −1, −2)
0.1 + q + q = 3(p + p)
0.1 + 2q = 3(2p)
0.1 + 2q = 6p

We have two equations,

2p + 2q = 0.9 0.1 + 2q = 6p

Let’s solve them simultaneously,

0.1 + 2q = 6p
2q = 6p − 0.1
q = 3p − 0.05

2p + 2q = 0.9
2p + 2(3p − 0.05) = 0.9
2p + 6p − 0.1 = 0.9
8p − 0.1 = 0.9
8p = 1
p = 0.125

15
 Now let’s find q,
q = 3p − 0.05
q = 3(0.125) − 0.05
q = 0.325

Therefore, the final answer is,

p = 0.125 q = 0.325

9. Three fair six-sided dice, each with faces marked 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 are thrown at the same time,
repeatedly. For a single throw of the three dice, the score is the sum of the numbers on the top
faces. (9709/53/M/J/21 number 4)

(a) Find the probability that the score is 4 on a single throw of the three dice.

Let’s write down all possible scenarios and evaluate them,

 3
1
First die shows a 1, second die shows a 1, third die shows a 2 =
6
 3
1
First die shows a 1, second die shows a 2, third die shows a 1 =
6
 3
1
First die shows a 2, second die shows a 1, third die shows a 1 =
6

Let’s add up the results of all three scenarios,

 3  3  3
1 1 1
Total = + +
6 6 6
1
Total =
72

Therefore, the final answer is,

1
72
(b) Find the probability that a score of 18 is obtained for the first time on the 5th throw of the
three dice.

Let’s define our random variable,

X − r.v, number of throws until a score of 18 is obtained for the first time

Let’s define our distribution,

X ∼ Geo(p)

Read off the probability of getting a score of 18 from the possibility space diagram,
1
p=
216
16
 This means our distribution is,
 
1
X ∼ Geo
216

Let’s solve our problem,  4

215 1
P (X = 5) = ×
216 216

This simplifies to give,

P (X = 5) = 0.00454

Therefore, the final answer is,

P (X = 5) = 0.00454

10. A fair spinner has edges numbered 0, 1, 2, 2. Another fair spinner has edges numbered −1, 0, 1.
Each spinner is spun. The number on the edge on which the spinner comes to rest is noted. The
random variable X is the sum of the numbers for the two spinners. (9709/51/O/N/21 number 4)
(a) Draw up the probability distribution table for X.

Let’s start by drawing a possibility space diagram,

2 1 2 3
four-sided spinner

2 1 2 3

1 0 1 2

0 −1 0 1

-1 0 1
three-sided spinner

Read off the values from the diagram. Now let’s draw the probability distribution
table,
x -1 0 1 2 3
1 2 4 3 2
P (X = x) 12 12 12 12 12

(b) Find V ar(X).

The formula for variance is,

V ar(X) = Σx2 p − [E(X)]2

17
 Let’s start by finding the mean,

E(X) = Σxp
1 2 4 3 2
E(X) = −1 × +0× +1× +2× +3×
12 12 12 12 12
15
E(X) =
12

Let’s find Σx2 p,

1 2 4 3 2
Σx2 p = (−1)2 × + 02 × + 12 × + 22 × + 32 ×
12 12 12 12 12
35
Σx2 p =
12

Now let’s substitute into the formula for variance,

 2
35 15
V ar(X) = −
12 12
65
V ar(X) =
48

Therefore, the final answer is,

65
V ar(X) =
48
11. In a game, Jim throws three darts at a board. This is called a ’turn’. The centre of the board is
called the bull’s-eye. The random variable X is the number of darts in a turn that hit the bull’s-eye.
The probability distribution of X is given in the following table. (9709/53/O/N/21 number 6)

x 0 1 2 3
P (X = x) 0.6 p q 0.05

It is given that E(X) = 0.55.

(a) Find the values of p and q.

Let’s use the values in the table to create an expression for E(X),

E(X) = 0 × 0.6 + 1 × p + 2 × q + 3 × 0.05

E(X) = p + 2q + 0.15

Equate this to 0.55,

0.55 = p + 2q + 0.15
p + 2q = 0.4

18
 We can create another equation in terms of p and q. All the probabilities, P (X = x),
add up to 1,
P (X = x) = 1
0.6 + p + q + 0.05 = 1
p + q + 0.65 = 1
p + q = 0.35
p = 0.35 − q

Let’s solve the two equations simultaneously,

p + 2q = 0.4 p = 0.35 − q

0.35 − q + 2q = 0.4
0.35 + q = 0.4
q = 0.05

Now let’s evaluate p,

p = 0.35 − q
p = 0.35 − 0.05
p = 0.3

Therefore, the final answer is,

q = 0.05 p = 0.3

(b) Find V ar(X).

The formula for variance is,

V ar(X) = Σx2 p − [E(X)]2

We have been given the mean,

E(X) = 0.55

Let’s find Σx2 p,

Σx2 p = 02 × 0.6 + 12 × 0.3 + 22 × 0.05 + 32 × 0.05

Σx2 p = 0.95

Now let’s substitute into the formula for variance,

V ar(X) = 0.95 − (0.55)2

V ar(X) = 0.6475

19
 Therefore, the final answer is,

V ar(X) = 0.6475

Jim is practicing for a competition and he repeatedly throws three darts at the board.
(c) Find the probability that X = 1 in at least 3 of the 12 randomly chosen turns.

Let’s define the random variable,

Y − r.v, number of turns in which X = 1

Let’s define the distribution,

Y ∼ B(12, 0.3)

We are solving,
P (Y ≥ 3)

We can rewrite it as,

P (Y ≥ 3) = 1 − P (Y < 3)

Use the formula for binomial probabilities,

P (Y ≥ 3) = 1 − 0.712 +12 C1 × 0.3 × 0.711 +12 C2 × 0.32 × 0.710

 

P (Y ≥ 3) = 1 − (0.01384 + 0.07118 + 0.16779)

P (Y ≥ 3) = 0.747

Therefore, the final answer is,

P (Y ≥ 3) = 0.747

(d) Find the probability that Jim first succeeds in hitting the bull’s-eye with all three darts on his
9th turn.

Let’s define our random variable,

V − r.v, number of turns until Jim hits the bull’s-eye with all three darts

Let’s define its distribution,

V ∼ Geo(p)

Our probability of success, is P (X = 3), since X is the number of darts in a turn

that hit the bull’s eye,
p = 0.05

This means that,

V ∼ Geo(0.05)

20
 We are solving,
P (V = 9) = 0.958 × 0.05
P (V = 9) = 0.0332

Therefore, the final answer is,

P (V = 9) = 0.0332

12. In a certain country, the probability of more than 10cm of rain on any particular day is 0.18,
independently of the weather on any other day. (9709/52/F/M/22 number 2)

(a) Find the probability that in a randomly chosen 7-day period, more than 2 days have more than
10cm of rain.

Let’s define the random variable,

Y − r.v, number of days on which there is more than 10cm of rain

Let’s define the distribution,

Y ∼ B(7, 0.18)

We are solving,
P (Y > 2)

We can rewrite it as,

P (Y > 2) = 1 − P (Y ≤ 2)

Use the formula for binomial probabilities,

P (Y > 2) = 1 − 0.827 +7 C1 × 0.18 × 0.826 +7 C2 × 0.182 × 0.825

 

P (Y > 2) = 1 − (0.249285 + 0.383048 + 0.252251)

P (Y > 2) = 0.115

Therefore, the final answer is,

P (Y > 2) = 0.115

(b) For 3 randomly chosen 7-day periods, find the probability that exactly 2 of these periods have
at least one day with more than 10cm of rain.

Let’s define our random variable,

X − r.v, number of 7-day periods with at least one day having more than 10cm of rain

Let’s define our distribution,

X ∼ B(3, p)

21
 The probability that in a 7 day period, at least one day has more than 10 cm of rain,
is P (Y ≥ 1), which is our probability of success,

P (Y ≥ 1) = 1 − P (Y < 1)

P (Y ≥ 1) = 1 − 0.827
P (Y ≥ 1) = 0.7507
p = 0.7507

This means that our distribution is,

X ∼ B(3, 0.7507

We are required to find P (X = 2),

P (X = 2) =3 C2 × (0.7507)2 × (1 − 0.7507)

P (X = 2) = 0.421

Therefore, the final answer is,

P (X = 2) = 0.421

13. The random variable X takes the values −2, 1, 2, 3. It is given that P (X = x) = kx2 , where k is
a constant. (9709/53/M/J/22 number 3)

(a) Draw up the probability distribution table for X, giving the probabilities as numerical fractions.

Let’s find the probability that X = −2,

P (X = −2) = k(−2)2

P (X = −2) = 4k

Let’s find the probability that X = 1,

P (X = 1) = k(1)2

P (X = 1) = k

Let’s find the probability that X = 2,

P (X = 2) = k(2)2

P (X = 2) = 4k

Let’s find the probability that X = 3,

P (X = 3) = k(3)2

P (X = 3) = 9k

22
 We are required to give our probabilities as numerical fractions. This means we have
to evaluate k. All the probabilities should add up to 1,
P (X = x) = 1
4k + k + 4k + 9k = 1
18k = 1
1
k=
18

1
Substitute k with 18
in all the probabilities,
4
P (X = −2) =
18
1
P (X = 1) =
18
4
P (X = 2) =
18
9
P (X = 3) =
18

Now let’s draw our probability distribution table,

x -2 1 2 3
4 1 4 9
P (X = x) 18 18 18 18

(b) Find E(X) and V ar(X).

Let’s start by finding the mean,

4 1 4 9
E(X) = −2 × +1× +2× +3×
18 18 18 18
14
E(X) =
9

The formula for variance is,

V ar(X) = Σx2 p − [E(X)]

Let’s find Σx2 p,

4 1 4 9
Σx2 p = (−2)2 × + 12 × + 22 × + 32 ×
18 18 18 18
19
Σx2 p =
3

Substitute into the formula for mean,

 2
19 14
V ar(X) = −
3 9
317
V ar(X) =
81
23
 Therefore, the final answer is,
317
V ar(X) =
81
14. The probability distribution table for a random variable X is shown below. (9709/51/O/N/22
number 1)

x -2 -1 0.5 1 2
P (X = x) 0.12 p q 0.16 0.3

Given that E(X) = 0.28, find the value of p and the value of q.

Use the values in the table to create an expression for E(X),

E(X) = −2(0.12) − 1(p) + 0.5q + 1(0.16) + 2(0.3)

E(X) = −0.24 − p + 0.5q + 0.16 + 0.6

E(X) = 0.52 − p + 0.5q

Let’s equate this to 0.28,

0.52 − p + 0.5q = 0.28
0.52 − 0.28 − p + 0.5q = 0
0.24 − p + 0.5q = 0

We can create another equation in terms of p and q. The probabilities, P (X = x), add
up to 1,
P (X = x) = 1
0.12 + p + q + 0.16 + 0.3 = 1
p + q + 0.58 = 1
p + q = 0.42
p = 0.42 − q

Now let’s solve the two equations simultaneously,

0.24 − p + 0.5q = 0 p = 0.42 − q

0.24 − p + 0.5q = 0
0.24 − (0.42 − q) + 0.5q = 0
0.24 − 0.42 + q + 0.5q = 0
−0.18 + 1.5q = 0
1.5q = 0.18
0.18
q=
1.5
q = 0.12

24
 Now let’s find p,
p = 0.42 − q
p = 0.42 − 0.12
p = 0.3

Therefore, the final answer is,

p = 0.3 q = 0.12

15. Company A produces bags of sugar. An inspector finds that on average 10% of the bags are
underweight. (9709/53/O/N/22 number 5a) 10 bags are chosen at random. Find the probability
that fewer than 3 of these bags are underweight.

Let’s define our random variable,

X − r.v, number of bags that are underweight

Let’s define its distribution,

X ∼ B(10, 0.1)

Now let’s solve our problem,

P (X < 3) = 0.910 +10 C1 × 0.1 × 0.99 +10 C2 × 0.12 × 0.98

P (X < 3) = 0.348678 + 0.38742 + 0.19371

P (X < 3) = 0.930

Therefore, the final answer is,

P (X < 3) = 0.930

16. 80% of the residents of Kinwawa are in favour of a leisure centre being built in the town. 20
residents of Kinwawa are chosen at random and asked, in turn, whether they are in favour of the
leisure centre. (9709/52/F/M/23 number 3)

(a) Find the probability that more than 17 of these residents are in favour of the leisure centre.

Let’s define our random variable,

X − r.v, number of residents in favour of the leisure centre

Let’s define our distribution,

X ∼ B(20, 0.8)

Now let’s solve the question,

P (X > 17) =20 C18 × 0.818 × 0.22 +20 C19 × 0.819 × 0.2 + 0.820

P (X > 17) = 0.13691 + 0.05765 + 0.01153

P (X > 17) = 0.206

25
 Therefore, the final answer is,

P (X > 17) = 0.206

(b) Find the probability that the 5th person asked is the first person who is not in favour of the
leisure centre.

Let’s define our random variable,

Y − r.v, number of residents asked until first resident who is not in favour of leisure centre

Let’s define our distribution,

Y ∼ Geo(0.2)

Now let’s solve the question,

P (Y = 5) = 0.84 × 0.2

P (Y = 5) = 0.08192

Therefore, the final answer is,

P (Y = 5) = 0.08192

(c) Find the probability that the 7th person asked is the second person who is not in favour of the
leisure centre.

This means that 5 people are in favour of the leisure centre and 2 people are not,

0.85 × 0.22

Since the 7th person is the second person not in favour, the 1st person not in favour
can be any of the 6 people,
0.85 × 0.22 × 6

This simplifies to give,

0.0786

Therefore, the final answer is,

0.0786

17. A children’s wildlife magazine is published every Monday. For the next 12 weeks it will include a
model animal as a free gift. There are five different models: tiger, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant
and buffalo, each with the same probability of being included in the magazine. (9709/51/M/J/23
number 7) Sahim buys one copy of the magazine every Monday.

(a) Find the probability that the first time that the free gift is an elephant is before the 6th Monday.

Let’s define our random variable,

X − r.v, number of Mondays until free gift is an elephant

26
 Let’s define our distribution,
X ∼ Geo(0.2)

Note: There is a 1 in 5 chance of getting an elephant.

Now let’s solve our problem,

P (X < 6)

We can rewrite this as,

P (X ≤ 5)

Which allows us to use the formula,

P (X ≤ r) = 1 − q r

P (X ≤ 5) = 1 − 0.85
P (X ≤ 5) = 0.672

Therefore, the final answer is,

P (X ≤ 5) = 0.672

(b) Find the probability that Sahim will get more than two leopards in the 12 magazines.

Let’s define our random variable,

X − r.v, number of Mondays on which the free gift is a leopard

Let’s define our distribution,

X ∼ B(12, 0.2)

Now let’s solve our problem,

P (X > 2)

We can rewrite this as,

P (X > 2) = 1 − P (X ≤ 2)
P (X > 2) = 1 − 0.8 + C1 × 0.2 × 0.811 +12 C2 × 0.22 × 0.810
 12 12 

P (X > 2) = 1 − (0.06872 + 0.20615 + 0.28347)

P (X > 2) = 0.442

Therefore, the final answer is,

P (X > 2) = 0.442

(c) Find the probability that after 5 weeks Sahim has exactly one of each animal.

27
 Let’s assume he gets them in the order, tiger, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, buffalo,

T LREB

The probability of getting any one of the animals is 0.2, but since we want all five
of them, we raise to the power 5,
0.25

The order in which we receive each animal can also change in 5! ways since there is
5 different animals,
0.25 × 5!

This simplifies to give,

0.0384

Therefore, the final answer is,

0.0384
18. The random variable X takes the values −2, 2 and 3. It is given that

P (X = x) = k x2 − 1

where k is a constant. (9709/52/M/J/23 number 1)

(a) Draw up the probability distribution table for X, giving the probabilities as numerical fractions.

Let’s evaluate the probability that X = −2,

P (X = −2) = k (−2)2 − 1

P (X = −2) = 3k

Let’s evaluate the probability that X = 2,

P (X = 2) = k (2)2 − 1

P (X = 2) = 3k

Let’s evaluate the probability that X = −2,

P (X = 3) = k (3)2 − 1

P (X = 3) = 8k

We are required to give our probabilities as numerical fractions. This means that
we have to evaluate k. All the probabilities, P (X = x), add up to 1,

P (X = −2, 2, 3) = 1

3k + 3k + 8k = 1
14k = 1
1
k=
14
28
 1
Substitute k with 14
in all the probabilities,

3
P (X = −2) =
14
3
P (X = 2) =
14
8
P (X = 3) =
14

Now let’s draw our probability distribution table,

x -2 2 3
3 3 8
P (X = x) 14 14 14

(b) Find E(X) and V ar(X).

Let’s start by finding the mean,

3 3 8
E(X) = −2 × +2× +3×
14 14 14
12
E(X) =
7

The formula for variance is,

V ar(X) = Σx2 p − [E(X)]

Let’s find Σx2 p,

3 3 8
Σx2 p = (−2)2 × + 22 × + 32 ×
14 14 14
19
Σx2 p =
3

Substitute into the formula for mean,

 2
48 12
V ar(X) = −
7 7
192
V ar(X) =
49

Therefore, the final answer is,

192
V ar(X) =
49
19. A fair 5-sided spinner has five sides labelled 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. The spinner is spun repeatedly until a 2
is obtained on the side on which the spinner lands. The random variable X denotes the number of
spins required. (9709/52/M/J/23 number 4)

(a) Find P (X = 4).

29
 Let’s define the distribution of our random variable,

X ∼ Geo(0.2)

Note: There is a 1 in 5 chance of obtaining a 2.

Now let’s solve our problem,

P (X = 4) = 0.83 × 0.2

This simplifies to give,

P (X = 4) = 0.1024

Therefore, the final answer is,

P (X = 4) = 0.1024

(b) Find P (X < 6).

We can rewrite this as,

P (X ≤ 5)

Which allows us to use the formula,

P (X ≤ r) = 1 − q r

P (X ≤ 5) = 1 − 0.85

This simplifies to give,

P (X ≤ 5) = 0.672

Therefore, the final answer is,

P (X ≤ 5) = 0.672

Two fair 5-sided spinners, each with sides labelled 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 are spun at the same time.
If the numbers obtained are equal, the score is 0. Otherwise, the score is the higher number
minus the lower number.
(c) Find the probability that the score is greater than 0 given that the score is not equal to 2.

Let’s start by drawing a possibility space diagram,

30
 5 4 3 2 1 0

4 3 2 1 0 1

spinner 1
3 2 1 0 1 2

2 1 0 1 2 3

1 0 1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4 5
spinner 2

Our problem is based on conditional probability,

P (A ∩ B)
P (B|A) =
P (A)
A - the score is not equal to 2
B - the score is greater than 0
A ∩ B - the score is not equal to 2 and the score is greater than 0

If the score is not equal to 2, then its equal to 0, 1, 3 or 4. Read of P (A) from the
possibility space diagram,
19
P (A) =
25

If the score is not equal to 2 and the score is greater than 0 then the score can be
either 1, 3 or 4. Read of P (A ∩ B) from the possibility space diagram,
14
P (A ∩ B) =
25

Substitute into the formula for conditional probability,

14 19
P (B|A) = ÷
25 25

This simplifies to give,

14
P (B|A) =
19

Therefore, the final answer is,

14
P (B|A) =
19
The two spinners are spun at the same time repeatedly.
(d) For 9 randomly chosen spins of the two spins, find the probability that the score is greater
than 2 on at least 3 occasions.

31
 Let’s define our random variable,

Y − r.v, number of spins in which the score is greater than 2

Let’s define our random variable,

 
6
Y ∼ B 9,
25

Note: You can find the probability that the score is greater than 2 from the possibility
space diagram in part (c). This is our probability of success.

Now let’s solve our problem,

P (Y ≥ 3) = 1 − P (Y < 3)
" 9  8  2  7 #
19 6 19 6 19
P (Y ≥ 3) = 1 − +9 C1 × × +9 C2 × ×
25 25 25 25 25
P (Y ≥ 3) = 1 − (0.08459 + 0.2404 + 0.3037)
P (Y ≥ 3) = 0.371

Therefore, the final answer is,

P (Y ≥ 3) = 0.371

20. The random variable X takes the values 1, 2, 3, 4. It is given that P (X = x) = kx(x + a), where
k and a are constants. (9709/53/M/J/23 number 3)

(a) Given that P (X = 4) = 3P (X = 2), find the value of a and find the value of k.

Let’s create an equation in terms of k and a, using the information we have been
given,
P (X = 4) = 3P (X = 2)
16k + 4ka = 3(4k + 2ka)
16k + 4ka = 12k + 6ka
4k − 2ka = 0

Factorise,
2k(2 − a) = 0
2k = 0 2 − a = 0
k=0 a=2

We now know that,

a=2

Disregard k = 0, since if k takes a value of 0 all our probabilities would be 0 which

incorrect.

32
 Now let’s find the probabilities.

Let’s start by finding the probability that X = 1,

P (X = 1) = k(1)(1 + 2)

P (X = 1) = 3k

Let’s find the probability that X = 2,

P (X = 2) = k(2)(2 + 2)

P (X = 2) = 8k

Let’s find the probability that X = 3,

P (X = 3) = k(3)(3 + 2)

P (X = 3) = 15k

Let’s find the probability that X = 4,

P (X = 4) = k(4)(4 + 2)

P (X = 4) = 24k

The sum of all the probabilities, P (X = x), is equal to 1,

P (X = 1, 2, 3, 4) = 1

3k + 8k + 15k + 24k = 1
50k = 1
1
k=
50

Therefore, the final answer is,

1
a=2 k=
50
(b) Draw up the probability distribution table for X, giving the probabilities as numerical fractions.

1
Let’s start by replacing k in the probabilities that we found in part (a) with 50
,

3
P (X = 1) =
50
8
P (X = 2) =
50
15
P (X = 3) =
50
24
P (X = 4) =
50
33
 Now let’s draw our probability distribution table,

x 1 2 3 4
3 8 15 24
P (X = x) 50 50 50 50

(c) Given that E(X) = 3.2, find V ar(X).

The formula for variance is,

V ar(X) = Σx2 p − [E(X)]

Let’s find Σx2 p,

3 8 15 24
Σx2 p = 12 × + 22 × + 32 × + 42 ×
50 50 50 50
Σx2 p = 11.08

Substitute into the formula for mean,

V ar(X) = 11.08 − (3.2)2

V ar(X) = 0.84

Therefore, the final answer is,

V ar(X) = 0.84

21. George has a fair 5-sided spinner with sides labelled 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. He spins the spinner and notes
the number on the side on which the spinner lands. (9709/52/O/N/23 number 2)

(a) Find the probability that it takes fewer than 7 spins for George to obtain a 5.

Let’s define our random variable,

X − r.v, number of spins until a 5 is obtained

Let’s define its distribution,

X ∼ Geo (0.2)

We are solving,
P (X < 7)

We can rewrite this as,

P (X ≤ 6)

Which allow us to use the formula,

P (X ≤ r) = 1 − q r

P (X ≤ 6) = 1 − 0.86

34
 This simplifies to give,
P (X ≤ 6) = 0.738

Therefore, the final answer is,

P (X ≤ 6) = 0.738

George spins the spinner 10 times.

(b) Find the probability that he obtains a 5 more than 4 times but fewer than 8 times.

Let’s define our random variable,

Y − r.v, number of spins on which a 5 is obtained

Let’s define its distribution,

Y ∼ B (10, 0.2)

We are solving,
P (4 < X < 8) = P (X = 5, 6, 7)
P (4 < X < 8) =10 C5 × 0.25 × 0.85 +10 C6 × 0.26 × 0.84 +10 C7 × 0.27 × 0.83
P (4 < X < 8) = 0.02642 + 5.50510−3 + 7.86410−4
P (4 < X < 8) = 0.0327

Therefore, the final answer is,

P (4 < X < 8) = 0.0327

22. Becky sometimes works in an office and sometimes works at home. The random variable X denotes
the number of days that she works at home in any given week. It is given that

P (X = x) = kx(x + 1)

where k is a constant and x = 1, 2, 3 or 4 only. (9709/53/O/N/23 number 1)

(a) Draw up the probability distribution table for X, giving the probabilities as numerical fractions.

Let’s find the probability that X = 1,

P (X = 1) = k(1)(1 + 1)

P (X = 1) = 2k

Let’s find the probability that X = 2,

P (X = 2) = k(2)(2 + 1)

P (X = 2) = 6k

35
 Let’s find the probability that X = 3,

P (X = 3) = k(3)(3 + 1)

P (X = 3) = 12k

Let’s find the probability that X = 4,

P (X = 4) = k(4)(4 + 1)

P (X = 4) = 20k

All the probabilities, P (X = x), add up to 1. We can use this to evaluate k, so we

can give our probabilities as numerical fractions,

P (X = 1, 2, 3, 4) = 1

2k + 6k + 12k + 20k = 1
40k = 1
1
k=
40

1
Replace k with 40
in every probability,
2
P (X = 1) =
40
6
P (X = 2) =
40
12
P (X = 3) =
40
20
P (X = 4) =
40

Now let’s use these values to draw up our probability distribution table,

x 1 2 3 4
2 6 12 20
P (X = x) 40 40 40 40

(b) Find E(X) and V ar(X).

Let’s start by finding the mean,

E(X) = Σxp
2 6 12 20
E(X) = 1 × +2× +3× +4×
40 40 40 40
13
E(X) =
4

The formula for variance is,

V ar(X) = Σx2 p − [E(X)]2

36
Let’s find Σx2 p,
2 6 12 20
Σx2 p = 12 × + 22 × + 32 × + 42 ×
40 40 40 40
454
Σx2 p =
20

Substitute into the formula for variance,

 2
454 13
V ar(X) = −
40 4
63
V ar(X) =
80

Therefore, the final answer is,

13 63
E(X) = V ar(X) =
4 80

37