Statistics 1

Discrete random variables

Chapter Assessment
1. The probability distribution of a discrete random variable X is given by: P( X = r ) = k (6r 2 r 3 ) P( X = r ) = 0 for r = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 otherwise

(i)

Show that k =

1 . 105

[3] [2] [1] [2] [2] [4]

(ii) Show the probability distribution for X on a suitable diagram. (iii) Write down the value of the mode of the distribution. (iv) What is the shape of the distribution? (v) Find the value of P(2 X < 4) . (vi) Calculate the expectation and variance of X.

2. A discrete random variable X has the following probability distribution:

r P(X = r)

3 a

2 b

1 a

0 b

1 a

2 b

3 a

4 b [3] [2] [3]

(i) You are given that E(X) = 0.8. Calculate the values of a and b. (ii) Find the value of P(|r| < 3). (iii) Calculate the standard deviation of X.

3. A bag contains 6 red and 3 blue counters. A counter is chosen at random, its colour noted and then it is replaced. This is done three times. The number of red counters seen is denoted by X. (i) Write out the probability distribution for X. (ii) Calculate the expectation and variance of X. [3] [4]

4. I have six very similar looking keys on my key ring, just one of which opens my front door. I choose a key at random, without replacement, until I find the correct key. (i) Write out the probability distribution of the number of keys I have to use before opening the door. [4] (ii) Calculate the expected number of keys I have to use. [2]

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S1 Discrete random variables Assessment

5. In a game of chance a player chooses a card at random from each of three packs of cards. The entrance fee for each game is 50p. He wins 5.00 if he gets 3 picture cards (that is, Jack, Queen or King), 1.00 for 2 picture cards and 25p for 1 picture card. In each of these three cases he also has his 50p stake returned. (i) Find the probabilities of drawing 0, 1, 2, 3 picture cards. [4]

(ii) Calculate the expectation and the variance of the number of picture cards drawn. [4] (iii) Calculate the expectation of his winnings. [3]

(iv) What should the entrance fee be for a fair game (that is, a game in which the expectation of the winnings is zero)? [4]

Total 50 marks

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