Random Variables
Guide questions:
• What is a random variable?
• What are the 2 types of random variable?
What is a random variable?
RANDOM VARIABLE is a variable being measured to
produce numerical observations associated with random
outcomes of a chance experiment.
2 Types of Random Variable
• DISCRETE RANDOM VARIABLES are random variables
where the observed numerical value are produced by
counting and assumes whole number.
• 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.
Discrete Random Variable
Example: Toss a coin 3 times and let X be the number of heads.
X may obtain the following values: 0, 1, 2, 3
0 if TTT (result is all tails)
1 if HTT or THT or TTH (result is 1 head 2 tails)
2 if HHT or HTH or THH (result is 2 heads, 1 tail)
3 if HHH (result is all heads)
Since result of chance experiment is countable and finite, this
is an example of Discrete Random Variable.
Continuous Random Variable
Example:
1. The height or weight of a randomly chosen individual
from a population.
2. The duration of a lecture.
3. The volume of fuel consumed by a bus on its route.
4. The total distance driven by a sikadin a day.
Since result of chance experiment is measurable, infinite
and may take any values, above are examples of
Continuous Random Variable.
Thank you for reading and analysing! ☺