RANDOM VARIABLES AND
PROBABILITY
DISTRIBUTIONS
FERNAN B. GONZALES, LPT, MCE, MAM
Instructor
Learning Objectives:
1. Define random variables.
2. Illustrate random variable and probability distribution for a discrete random
variable.
3. Identify the properties of a Probability Distribution.
4. Differentiate discrete random variables from continuous random variables.
5. Find the possible values of a random variable.
6. Solve the probabilities corresponding to a given random variable.
RANDOM
VARIABLES
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.
It is also a variable being measured to produce numerical
observations associated with the random outcomes of a chance
experiment.
Random Variable
Observations are numerical values
associated with measuring the variable.
DISCRETE
VS.
CONTINUOUS
Discrete Random Variables
Discrete Random Variables are random variables where the
observed numerical value are produced by counting and assumes whole
numbers only.
Simply say, a random variable is a discrete random variable if its set
of possible outcomes is countable. Mostly, discrete random variables
represent count data, such as the number of defective chairs produced in a
factory.
Continuous Random Variables
Continuous Random Variables are random variables where
the observed numerical values are results of measuring and may
take on any numbers contained within any numerical intervals.
Often, continuous random variables represent measured data,
such as heights, weights, and temperatures.
PROBABILITY
DISTRIBUTION
Probability Distribution
A probability distribution is a function that describes the
likelihood of obtaining the possible values that a random variable
can assume. In other words, the values of the variable vary based
on the underlying probability distribution.
Properties of Probability Distribution
1. The probability of each value of the random variable
must be between or equal to 0 and 1. In symbol, we write
it as 0 ≤ P(X) ≤ 1.
2. The sum of the probabilities of all values of the random
variable must be equal to 1. In symbol, we write it as
σ P X = 1.
EXAMPLES
REMEMBER!
Recall that a variable is a characteristic or attribute that can
assume different values.
We use capital letters to denote or represent a variable. In this
lesson, we shall discuss variables that are associated with
probabilities, called random variables.
Tossing Three Coins
Suppose three coins are tossed. Let Y be the random variable
representing the number of tails that occur. Find the values of the
random variable Y. Let us complete the table in the next slide.
Tossing Three Coins
OUTCOMES:
TTT, TTH, THT, HTT
HHT, HTH, THH, HHH
Tossing Three Coins
Value of the Random Variable Y
Possible Outcomes
(number of tails)
TTT 3
TTH 2
THT 2
HTT 2
HHT 1
HTH 1
THH 1
HHH 0
Tossing Three Coins
So, the possible values of the
random variable Y are 0, 1, 2, and 3.
Number of Tails
Number of Tails Y Probability P(Y)
0 1/8
1 3/8
2 3/8
3 1/8
The Probability Distribution or the Probability Mass Function of
Discrete Random Variable Y is as follows:
Number of Tails Y 0 1 2 3
Probability P(Y) 1/8 3/8 3/8 1/8
A discrete probability distribution or a probability mass function consists of
the values a random variable can assume and the corresponding probabilities of the
values.
Drawing Balls from an Urn
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.
Drawing Balls from an Urn
OUTCOMES:
RR, RB, BR, BB
Drawing Balls from an Urn
Value of the Random
Possible Outcomes Variable Z
(number of blue balls)
RR 0
RB 1
BR 1
BB 2
Drawing Balls from an Urn
So, the possible vales of the random
variable Z are 0, 1, and 2.
Number of Blue Balls
Number of Blue Balls Probability P(Z)
1
0
4
2 1
1 or
4 2
1
2
4
Number of Blue Balls
The Probability Distribution or the Probability Mass Function of
Discrete Random Variable Z is as follows:
Number of Blue Balls (Z) 0 1 2
Probability P(Z) 1/4 1/2 1/4
Can you make a histogram for this probability distribution?
Remember that a histogram is a bar graph. To construct a
histogram for a probability distribution, follow these steps.
1. Plot the values of the random variable along the horizontal
axis.
2. Plot the probabilities along the vertical axis.
How did you find the previous
situations? Were you able to illustrate
the random variable?
Random Variables
The random variables in the preceding
situations are called discrete random variables
because the set of possible outcomes is
countable.
Random Variables
Suppose an experiment is conducted to determine the
distance that a certain type of car will travel using 10 liters of
gasoline over a prescribed test course.
If distance is a random variable, then we have an infinite
number of distances that cannot be equated to the number of whole
numbers. This is an example of a continuous random variable.
GENERALIZATION:
1. How do you define random variables, discrete random variables,
and continuous random variables?
2. How do you illustrate random variables?
3. How do you differentiate discrete random variables from
continuous variables?
4. How do you find the possible values of a random variable?
1
ACTIVITY
I. Directions: Construct the probability distribution for the random variables
described in each of the following situations. Draw the corresponding
histogram for each probability distribution. Write your answer on a
separate sheet of paper.
1. Four coins are tossed. Let Z be the random variable representing the
number of heads that occur. Find the values of the random variable Z.
2. Let T be a random variable giving the number of heads in three tosses
of a coin. List the elements of the sample space S for the three tosses
of the coin and assign a value to each sample point.
II. Directions: Classify the following random variables as discrete or
continuous.
1. the number of defective computers produced by a manufacturer
2. the weight of newborns each year in a hospital
3. the number of siblings in a family of a region
4. the amount of paint utilized in a building project
5. the number of dropout in a school district for a period of 10
years
6. the speed of a car
THANK YOU!
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