Scribd
Upload
3 views11 pages

Stats 2

The document explains how to calculate and interpret the mean of a discrete random variable, including the formula and examples. It demonstrates the process through various scenarios, such as rolling a die and tossing coins, to illustrate expected values. Additionally, it discusses the fairness of a lottery game based on expected winnings.

Uploaded by

ericamaecabile
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
3 views11 pages

Stats 2

The document explains how to calculate and interpret the mean of a discrete random variable, including the formula and examples. It demonstrates the process through various scenarios, such as rolling a die and tossing coins, to illustrate expected values. Additionally, it discusses the fairness of a lottery game based on expected winnings.

Uploaded by

ericamaecabile
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 11

Mean of Discrete Random

Variable
Statistics and Probability
Mean of Discrete Random
Variable
GOALS
1) Calculates the mean of a discrete random
variable.
2) Interprets the mean of a discrete random
variable.
3) Solves problems on expected values.
Formula
Mean of Discrete Probability
Random Variable

The mean equals the sum of all values of X times their probabilities
Example 1
In rolling an unbiased die, what is the average number of
spots that would appear? To answer this let us follow the
following steps:
Step 1: Identify all possible Step 2: Determine the Step 3: Multiply each
outcomes. probability of each outcome value with its
possible outcome. respective probability.
Number of Spots (𝐗) Probability 𝐏(𝐗) 𝐗 ∙ 𝐏(𝐗)
1
1 6
1
6
1 2
2 6 6
1 3
3 6 6
1 4
4 6 6
1 5
5 6 6
6
6 1
6 6

Step 4: Find the sum of the products.

𝜇 𝑋 =∑¿
𝑿 ∙ 𝑷 ( 𝑿)
21
3.5
¿
6
Step 5: Interpret the result.

The value obtained is called the mean of the random variable


X or the mean of the probability distribution of X. The mean
tells us that the average number of spots that would appear
when an unbiased die is rolled is 3.5. This is the correct
interpretation even though it is impossible to roll a 3.5 on a 6-
sided die. This sort of thing often occurs with expected values.

Note: The mean of random variable X is also referred to as the


expected value, denoted by
Example 2
Suppose two coins are tossed. Let X be
the random variable representing the
number of heads that occur.
Example 3
A traffic engineer is interested in the number of vehicles reaching a
particular crossroads during periods of relatively low traffic flow.
The engineer finds that the number of vehicles X reaching the
crossroads per minute is governed by the probability distribution
below. Calculate the expected value of X.
X 1 2 3 4

P(X) 0.39 0.19 0.04 0.01

Note: The mean of random variable X is also referred to as the expected value, denoted
by
Example 4
Suppose you buy one ticket for ₱1.00 out of a lottery of 1,000
tickets where the prize for the one winning ticket is to be ₱500.
What are your expected winnings? Is this game fair? Why?
Example 4
Suppose you buy one ticket for ₱1.00 out of a lottery of 1,000
tickets where the prize for the one winning ticket is to be ₱500.
What are your expected winnings? Is this game fair? Why?
X 499 Note: Properties of the Probabilities of
(lose) (win) Discrete Random Variables
* The sum of all the probabilities is
P(X) equal to 1
+ =

= 𝑋1 ∙ 𝑃(𝑋1 ) + 𝑋2 ∙ 𝑃(𝑋2 )
𝐸[ 𝑋 ] = ∑ 𝑋𝑖 ∙ 𝑃( 𝑋𝑖 )
= - 1 ( + 499

= - 1 ( + 499

= + =

=
Example 4
Suppose you buy one ticket for ₱1.00 out of a lottery of 1,000
tickets where the prize for the one winning ticket is to be ₱500.
What are your expected winnings? Is this game fair? Why?
X 499 Note: Properties of the Probabilities of
(lose) (win) Discrete Random Variables
* The sum of all the probabilities is
P(X) equal to 1
+ =

Thus,ti gameisnotfairbecaus the xpctedvalueofthelos i−₱𝟎.𝟓 and otzero.(Nte hat egameisfari the xpctedvalueofthegainorls equaltozer).Itmeanstha ifyouplaythisgamesvraltimes,th averg los i−₱𝟎.𝟓

You might also like