E370

5/13/17
Week 06: Discrete vs
Continuous Variables
Part 1: Well-known
Discrete Distributions
Random Variables--Discrete:
Generic Discrete:
Described by a valid
probability
distribution, a list of
outcomes and
associated
probabilities.
Bernoulli: A single
E(X) =
trial resulting in 1 of 2
mutually exclusive and
collectively exhaustive
outcomes. V(X) = (1-)
Parameter is
Binomial: Repeated E(X)=n V(X) = n(1-)
Bernoulli trials when X
is the number of
If < 0.5, right If > 0.5, left If = 0.5,
successes, is skewed; skewed; symmetric
constant over all
trials, and each trial is If n & n(1-) > 5, can be considered
independent of every symmetric for certain purposes.
other trial. X~B(n, )
Parameters are n and
. =BINOM.DIST(x,n,,0/1)
Random VariablesContinuous
Generic Continuous:
Described by a
formula called a pdf,
probability density
function.

Uniform: Simplest X~U(a,b)

continuous distribution,
sometimes called a
rectangular P(c<x<d) =
distribution,
represented by a line
(curve) parallel to the
x-axis. The distance
from the x-axis to the
curve
Normal isFamily:
the pdf.One
of the most important
Parameters are a and b.
continuous
distributions; an
infinite number of X~N(, )
normal distributions,
each defined by its =NORM.DIST(x,
parameters, and ; a , , 1)
bell-shaped and
symmetric =NORM.INV(, , )
distribution.
 We looked at common discrete random
variables and developed methods to
calculate their parameters.
We are going to continue our
investigation by looking at just a couple
of distributions of discrete random
variables that are very regular and well-
known.
We will find that they are both special
cases of the methods we just learned.
Finally we will begin our investigation of
continuous random variables.

Discrete Random Variables

The simplest of all discrete distributions
A single experiment MUST result in one of two
mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive
outcomes
Outcomes are usually called Success and Failure
P(success) =
P(failure) = (1- )

Must define success and know

Calculate the expected values of the
Bernoulli.
E(X)=0*(1- ) + 1* =
V(X)=(0- )2*(1- ) + (1- )2* = *(1- )

The Bernoulli Distribution

The sample space of the
Bernoulli is {0,1}.
The Bernoulli is . . .
a one-parameter distribution
completely defines any
Bernoulli
E(X) = V(X) = (1- )

More Bernoulli Distribution

. . . is composed of several identical,
independent Bernoulli trials.
It is recognized as having the following
four necessary characteristics:
the random variable X is the result of counting
the number of successes in a fixed number of
trials, and is, thus, discrete;
the outcome of EACH TRIAL must be one of two
mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive
outcomes;
P(success) remains constant over all trials;
each trial is independent of the other(s).

The Binomial . . .
 Tenbolts were selected randomly from
a production line, the diameter of each
was measured, recorded, and the
mean was calculated.

Y/N Binomial Characteristic

Is X a count of successes out of a
number of trials?
Is each trial a Bernoulli trial?

Is this scenario a
Is the probability of success constant
over all trials?

binomial?
Are the trials independent?
Past study shows that 13 of the 19
adult residents of Shepherd's
Pass, Utah, do not favor gun
control. You wish to talk to a
sample of 5 from this population
and are curious about how likely it
is that all five of them will favor
Y/N Binomial Characteristic
gun control.
Is X a count of successes out of a
number of trials?
Is each trial a Bernoulli trial?
Is the probability of success constant
over all trials?

Is this scenario a binomial?

Are the trials independent?
About 30% of wells drilled in areas
deemed favorable strike oil. A
company has found 5 sites with
favorable conditions, that are
widely separated geographically,
and decides to drill at each site.
Y/N Binomial Characteristic
Is X a count of successes out of a
number of trials?
Is each trial a Bernoulli trial?
Is the probability of success constant
over all trials?

Is this scenario a binomial?

Are the trials independent?