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Random Variables & Probability Basics

Module 1 covers random variables and probability distributions, focusing on distinguishing between discrete and continuous random variables. It explains how to compute probabilities, mean, and variance for discrete random variables, along with the properties of probability distributions. Key takeaways emphasize the importance of these concepts in understanding real-life probability problems.

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6 views10 pages

Random Variables & Probability Basics

Module 1 covers random variables and probability distributions, focusing on distinguishing between discrete and continuous random variables. It explains how to compute probabilities, mean, and variance for discrete random variables, along with the properties of probability distributions. Key takeaways emphasize the importance of these concepts in understanding real-life probability problems.

Uploaded by

fimmyrae16
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Module 1: Random Variables and

Probability Distributions
MTH112 – Statistics and Probability |
Asian Institute of Computer Studies
Learning Objectives
• At the end of this module, students should be
able to:
• • Illustrate and distinguish between discrete
and continuous random variables.
• • Find possible values of a random variable.
• • Illustrate and compute probabilities for
random variables.
• • Evaluate and calculate the mean and
variance of a discrete random variable.
• • Solve problems involving probability
Definition of a Random Variable
• A random variable is a numerical quantity
assigned to the outcome of an experiment.

• Examples:
• • Tossing two coins → Random variable:
Number of heads (H = 0, 1, 2)
• • Selecting bananas → Random variable:
Number of ripe bananas (R = 0, 1, 2, 3)
Types of Random Variables
• 1. **Discrete Random Variable** – assumes
countable values.
• Examples: Number of pencils, defective
items, students present.

• 2. **Continuous Random Variable** –


assumes infinite values within intervals.
• Examples: Height, weight, voltage,
temperature.
Discrete Probability Distribution
• A **discrete probability distribution** lists all
possible values of a discrete random variable
along with their corresponding probabilities.

• Rules:
• • 0 ≤ P(X) ≤ 1 for each X
• • ΣP(X) = 1

• Example:
Properties of a Probability
Distribution
• • The probability of each value is between 0
and 1.
• • The sum of all probabilities equals 1.
• • The mean or expected value represents the
average outcome.
• • The variance and standard deviation show
the spread of the distribution.
Finding the Mean (Expected Value)
• Formula: μ = E(X) = Σ[X · P(X)]

• Example:
• X: 3, 2, 1, 0
• P(X): 1/8, 3/8, 3/8, 1/8

• μ = (3)(1/8) + (2)(3/8) + (1)(3/8) + (0)(1/8) =


1.5
Variance and Standard Deviation
• Formulas:
• Variance (σ²) = Σ[X² · P(X)] − μ²
• Standard Deviation (σ) = √(Σ[X² · P(X)] − μ²)

• These measure how far the values of X deviate


from the mean.
Applied Example: Probability
Distribution
• Example:
• A computer shop sells 0 to 5 computers per
day.
• P(X): 0.10, 0.20, 0.45, 0.15, 0.05, 0.05

• • P(X < 3) = 0.75


• • P(X ≥ 4) = 0.10
• • Mean and standard deviation can be
computed using the formulas.
Key Takeaways
• • Random variables represent numerical
outcomes of experiments.
• • Discrete variables are countable; continuous
variables are measurable.
• • Probability distributions show the likelihood
of outcomes.
• • The mean and variance summarize the
distribution’s center and spread.
• • These concepts are essential in
understanding real-life probability problems.

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