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Probability Density Function Analysis

The document presents a probability density function defined in two segments and requires finding the constant A for it to be a valid probability function. It also calculates the probabilities of selling more than and less than 5000 kg of bread, both resulting in 0.5. The final answers confirm A = 1 and the probabilities for both scenarios.
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
5 views2 pages

Probability Density Function Analysis

The document presents a probability density function defined in two segments and requires finding the constant A for it to be a valid probability function. It also calculates the probabilities of selling more than and less than 5000 kg of bread, both resulting in 0.5. The final answers confirm A = 1 and the probabilities for both scenarios.
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

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athuman Jumanne
April 2025

[12pt]article amsmath geometry margin=1in Probability Density Function


Problem

Problem Statement
The probability density function is defined as:
f(x) = { A x, 0 ≤ x ≤ 5
A(10 − x), 5 < x ≤ 10
0, otherwise

(a) Find the value of such that is a probability function.


(b) What is the probability that the number of kegs of bread that will be sold
tomorrow is:

(i) More than 5000 kg


(ii) Less than 5000 kg

Solution
(a) Finding the value of
A probability
R∞ density function must satisfy:
−∞
f (x) dx =1
Since outside the interval , we compute:
R5 R 10 R5 R5 h 2 i5
x
0
Ax dx + 5
A(10 − x) dx = 1 0
Ax dx = A 0
x dx = A 2 = A·
0
h i 10
25 10 10 x2 25
R R  
2 5 A(10−x) dx = A 5 (10−x) dx = A 10x − 2 = A (100 − 50) − (50 − 2 ) =
5
A · 12.5
Adding both parts:
25 2A+12.5A=1⇒ 25 + 25 A=1⇒25A=1⇒A= 1
(2 2) 25

1
(b) Finding the probabilities
(i) Probability that
R 10 R 10 1
P(x ¿ 5) = 5 f (x) dx = 5 25 (10 − x) dx
We already calculated this earlier:
P(x ¿ 5) = 1 25·12.5=0.5

(ii) Probability that


R5 R5 1 1 25
P(x ¡ 5) = 0 f (x) dx = 0 25 x dx = 25 · 2 = 0.5

Final Answers
(a)
(b) (i)
(ii)

Common questions

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The piecewise nature of the function f(x) specifies different expressions for different intervals, demanding separate evaluations for probabilities over these ranges. The integral calculation is independently performed over each interval, such as R 5 0 Ax dx for 0 ≤ x ≤ 5 and R 10 5 A(10−x) dx for 5 < x ≤ 10. This segmentation allows distinct behaviors or trends over partitioned sections of the domain, impacting how probabilities like P(x < 5) and P(x > 5) are calculated and confirming the cumulative property needed for full distribution representation .

The constant 'A' serves as a scaling factor that normalizes the function's defined areas to integrate to 1, essential for valid probability modeling. Once determined, it allows the function to be used in further statistical inferences, such as determining expected values, variances within stated constraints, or hypothesis testing about behavior in particular domain segments. Calculation errors herein would propagate into larger statistical errors, emphasizing accuracy's role in reliable probabilistic inferences .

To meet theoretical expectations, the first step is ensuring the probability density function has a unity-integral either side piecewise or full across the interval. Divide into sub-integrals within defining domains like 0 ≤ x ≤ 5 and 5 < x ≤ 10, compute each section’s contribution, ensuring they yield valid parts of integration with: Sum(Piecewise_integrals) = 1. This requires precise arithmetic with solutions, such as confirming A=1/25, rendering each evaluative part equal to empirical data or desired calculation, verifying coherence with expected mathematical principles .

Ensuring that the integral of a probability density function equals 1 is significant because it defines the function as a valid probability distribution, where total probability representing all possible outcomes must cumulatively be 1. In mathematical problems, this condition guides the verification of probability functions and assists in identifying any constant factors (like 'A' in this case) that need adjustment. Only after this integral condition is satisfied can a function be appropriately analyzed or used to calculate specific probability values within the distribution's domain .

To determine P(x < 5), the integral R 5 0 f(x) dx = R 5 0 (1/25)x dx is computed. Solving this yields 1/25 times the integral from 0 to 5 of x, leading to (1/25) × (25/2), resulting in a probability of 0.5. The equivalence of P(x < 5) to P(x > 5) comes from the symmetry of the function and balanced calculation over the defined intervals. Both parts individually sum to 0.5, confirming the correctness of the function's overall integration for these specific conditions as requiring the equal splitting of total probability .

The probability that x is greater than 5 is integral in confirming the computations involved in finding the constant 'A'. When calculating P(x > 5), the same integral used for deriving 'A' over the interval 5 to 10 (R 10 5 A(10−x) dx) is applied. With 'A' determined to be 1/25, this particular integral evaluates to 12.5A, resulting in P(x > 5) = 0.5, mirroring the integral's role in fulfilling the probability condition. Thus, the calculation of P(x > 5) essentially corroborates the earlier calculation for A, ensuring correctness across the function's range .

Identifying the overall range and piecewise domains of the function is crucial because it dictates where the probability density function is non-zero and active, impacting integration periods. For example, a function’s sections (0 ≤ x ≤ 5 and 5 < x ≤ 10) guide where f(x) actually contributes to probability calculations. This allows appropriately segregating and computing interval probabilities, ensuring that the overall domain’s probabilities integrate to 1, fulfilling the foundational condition of a valid probability density function .

To determine the constant 'A' in the probability density function, it is necessary for the integral of the function over its valid range to equal 1. This ensures that the total probability is 1, as required for all probability density functions. In this case, the function is split into two parts across the ranges 0 ≤ x ≤ 5 and 5 < x ≤ 10. Therefore, the integrals R 5 0 Ax dx and R 10 5 A(10−x) dx are computed separately. Solving these integrals results in the equations: A(25/2) + A(12.5) = 1, which simplifies to 25A = 1, leading to the solution A = 1/25 .

A miscalculation in determining the constant 'A' directly scales the probabilities calculated from the density function. Both P(x > 5) and P(x < 5) rely on accurate integration results multiplied by 'A'. If 'A' were incorrectly evaluated, each probability would be proportionately incorrect, leading to invalid results that do not sum to 1 for the full range or misconstrue the divisibility across thresholds like x=5. This underlines the necessity of rigorous verification for probability consistency .

Symmetry in the probability density function, as evidenced by equal section integrals, suggests a balanced distribution of outcomes, guiding decisions expecting similar variability or uncertainty in either segment (below or above 5). In a practical sense, this balance can inform inventory levels, predictive scheduling, and risk assessments assuming equi-probable segments of demand or occurrence, shaping strategic choices based on the assumed equanimity of distribution outcomes .

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