UNIFIED SUPPLEMENTARY LEARNING MATERIALS

Grades 11 LEARNING AREA

LESSON 1: Variance and Standard Deviation of Discrete Random Variables

EXPECTATIONS
After exploring this supplementary learning material, you should be able to:
 illustrate the variance and standard deviation of a discrete random variable;
 calculate the variance and standard deviation of a discrete random variable;
 interpret the variance and standard deviation of a discrete random variable; and
 solve problems involving variance and standard deviation of probability
distributions.

Pretest
Directions: Identify the correct answer for each item. Write only the letter of your choice.
1. Let 𝑋 be the number of typographical errors found per page in certain books. The
table below shows a probability distribution of 𝑋.
𝑋 0 1 2 3 4
𝑃(𝑋) 0.65 0.15 0.10 0.09 0.01
Find the variance of X.
A. 0.66 B. 1.26 C. 1.08 D. 1.72
2. Let 𝑋 be the number of boys in a family with four children. The probability distribution
is presented below.
𝑋 0 1 2 3 4
𝑃(𝑋) 1 4 6 4 1
16 16 16 16 16
What is the standard deviation of 𝑋?
A. 4 B. 2 C. 1.21 D. 1
3. In a certain hospital, the probability distribution for the number of patients entering the
emergency room in a day is shown in the table below. Suppose 𝑋 is the random variable
for the number of patients entering the emergency room in a day. What is the variance
of 𝑋?
𝑋 0 1 2 3 4
𝑃(𝑋) 0.16 0.23 0.34 0.15 0.12
A. 1.47 B. 1.14 C. 1.38 D. 2.01
For numbers 4 and 5, refer to the given situation.
Consider the probability distribution presented by a bank employee with his
enumerated investments.
Investment A (in pesos) Investment B (in pesos)
Profit, 𝑋 20, 000 10, 000 -4, 000 Profit, 𝑋 10, 000 20, 000 -8, 000
𝑃(𝑋) 0.5 0.4 0.1 𝑃(𝑋) 0.3 0.5 0.2

4. What is the standard deviation of investment A?

A. Investment A is 5, 456 C. Investment A is 7, 556
B. Investment A is 6, 524 D. Investment A is 7, 526
5. What is the standard deviation of investment B?
A. Investment B is 11, 456 C. Investment B is 17, 653
B. Investment B is 10, 623 D. Investment B is 9, 501

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LOOKING BACK
The adequacy of the mean as an estimation for the outcome of the experiment
is increasing when the outcome is not likely to deviate too much from the mean.
In this section, you will learn the measure of deviation especially in computing
the variance of frequency distribution.
∑ 𝑓𝑋
1. Compute the mean by using the formula: 𝑋̅=
𝑛
2. Subtract the mean from each score. Square the results.
3. Multiply the result by the corresponding frequency. Add the result in the 𝑓(𝑋 − 𝑋̅)2
column.
∑(𝑋−𝑋̅)2
4. Compute the variance using the formula: 𝜎 2 =
𝑛

BRIEF INTRODUCTION
The mean µ of the random variable X provides us with a measure of the central
location of the distribution of X, but it does not give us information on how the various
values dispersed from µ.
In this lesson, you will learn to describe the spread or dispersion in a probability
distribution as well as the computation of variance and standard deviation of a discrete
probability distribution.

Steps in Finding the Variance and Standard Deviation of Discrete Random Variables
1. Find the mean of the probability distribution.
2. Subtract the mean from each value of random variable 𝑋.
3. Square the results obtained in Step 2.
4. Get the product of the results obtained in Step 3 and corresponding probability.
5. Get the sum of the result obtained in Step 4; the obtained sum is the variance.
6.

Variance and Standard Deviation of a Probability Distribution

To find the variance of a probability distribution, subtract the calculated mean from
each value of the random variable. Square the resulting difference and then multiply to
the corresponding probability of the random variable. Thus, the variance ofa discrete
probability distribution is given by the formula:
𝜎2 = Ʃ[(𝑋 − µ)2 · 𝑃(𝑋)]

The formula used to compute the standard deviation of the discrete probability
distribution is shown below.
𝜎 = √Ʃ[(𝑋 − µ)2 · 𝑃(𝑋)]
where:
X = value of the random variable
P(X) = probability of the random variable X
µ = mean of the probability distribution

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Alternative Formula for Variance and Standard Deviation of a Discrete

Probability Distribution
An alternative procedure to obtain the variance of a probability distribution involves
multiplying the square of each outcome by its corresponding probability. The calculated
products will be added up and the total will be subtracted by the square ofthe mean.
Thus, the formula is: 𝜎2 = Ʃ[𝑋2 · 𝑃(𝑋)] − µ2

The formula used to compute the standard deviation of the discrete probability
distribution is shown below.
𝜎 = √Ʃ[𝑋2 · 𝑃(𝑋)] − µ2
where:
𝜎 = standard deviation
X = value of the random variable
P(X) = probability of the random variable X
µ = mean of the probability distribution

Note: Remember that the variance and standard deviation cannot be negative.

Example 1
A box contains 5 balls. Two are numbered 1, one is numbered 3, and two are
numbered 2. The balls are mixed, and one is picked at random. After a ball is selected,
its number is recorded, and the same ball is returned in the box. The experiment is done
repeatedly, and the results are shown in the table below. Solve the variance and
standard deviation of the balls.

Solution:
Step 1. Find the
mean of the Number on ball, X Probability, X·P(X)
probability P(X)
distribution. 1 2 2
5 5
3 1 3
5 5

2 2 4
5
5
µ = Ʃ[𝑋 · 𝑃(𝑋)] = 9 = 1.8
5
Step 2. Take away
the mean from each Number on ball, Probability, 𝑋 · 𝑃(𝑋) X-µ
value of random X P(X)
variable 𝑋. 1 2 2 1 − 1.8 = −0.80
5 5
3 1 3 3 − 1.8 = 1.20
5 5
2 2 4 2 − 1.8 = 0.20
5 5

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Step 3. Square the

result obtained in Number Probability, 𝑋 · 𝑃(𝑋) 𝑋−µ (𝑋 − µ)2
Step 2. on ball, X P(X)
1 2 2 -0.80 0.64
5 5
3 1 3 1.20 1.44
5 5
2 2 4 0.20 0.04
5 5

Step 4. Multiply the

result obtained in X 𝑃(𝑋) 𝑋 · 𝑃(𝑋) 𝑋− µ (X - µ)2 (𝑋 − µ)2 · 𝑃(𝑋)
Step 3 by its 1 2 2 -0.80 0.64 0.256
corresponding 5 5
probability. 3 1 3 1.20 1.44 0.288
5 5
2 2 4 0.20 0.04 0.016
5 5

Step 5. Get the sum

of the result from X 𝑃(𝑋) 𝑋 · 𝑃(𝑋) 𝑋− µ (X - µ)2 (𝑋 − µ)2 · 𝑃(𝑋)
Step 4. The result is 1 2 2 -0.80 0.64 0.256
the value of 5 5
variance. 3 1 3 1.20 1.44 0.288
5 5
2 2 4 0.80 0.04 0.016
5 5

𝜎2 = Ʃ [(𝑋 − µ)2 · 𝑃(𝑋) ] = 0.56

Step 6. To obtain the

standard deviation, σ = √Ʃ[(𝑋 − µ)2. 𝑃(𝑋)]
get the square root = √0.56
of the variance ≈ 0.75

The variance of the probability distribution is 0.56 and the

standard deviation is approximately 0.75.

We will now use the alternative procedure in finding the variance and
standard deviation of a probability distribution

Consider the same problem.

A box contains 5 balls. Two are numbered 1, one is numbered 3, and two are
numbered 2. The balls are mixed, and one is picked at random. After a ball is selected, its
number is recorded, and the same ball is returned in the box. After the recurrence of a
trial, calculate the variance, and a standard deviation of the numbers on the balls.

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Grades 11 LEARNING AREA

Solution

Step 1:
Using the formula Number on ball, 𝑋 Probability, 𝑋 · 𝑃(𝑋)
below, find the mean 𝑃(𝑋)
of the probability 1 2 2
distribution. 5 5
µ = Ʃ · 𝑃(𝑋) 3 1 3
5 5
2 2 4
5 5
9
µ = Ʃ[𝑋 · 𝑃(𝑋)] = = 1.8
5
Step2:
Get the product of the Number on ball, X Probability, 𝑋 · 𝑃(𝑋) 𝑋2 ∙ 𝑃(𝑋)
value of the random 𝑃(𝑋)
variable X and its 1 2 2 12 ·
2 = 2
corresponding 5 5 5 5
9
probability. 3 1 3 32 · = 1

5 5 5 5
8
2 2 4 22· 2 =
5 5
5 5

Step 3:
Add the results Number on ball, X Probability, 𝑋 · 𝑃(𝑋) 𝑋2 ∙ 𝑃(𝑋)
obtained in Step 2. P(X)
1 2 2 2
5 5 5
3 1 3 9
5 5 5
2 2 4 8
5 5 5

Ʃ(𝑋2 ∙ 𝑃(𝑋)) = 19/5= 3.80

Step 4: The variance is
Subtract the square of σ2 = ∑[𝑋2 ∙ 𝑃(𝑋)]- µ2
the mean from the = 3.80 – (1.80)2
result obtained in Step = 3.80 – 3.24
3 to get the variance. = 0.56
Get the square root of The standard deviation is
the variance to find σ =√ Ʃ[𝑋2 · 𝑃(𝑋)] − 𝜇2
the standard = √0.56
deviation. ≈ 0.7483

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Activity 1
Compute the variance of this frequency distribution.
Score Number of Students
4 1
6 3
7 5
9 4
10 7

Follow the steps indicated in each column to complete the table below.

Steps: Solution:
1. Compute the mean. Number of Students
Score X 𝑓𝑋
𝑓
∑ 𝑓𝑋
𝑋̅= = 4 1
𝑛
6 3
7 5
9 4
10 7
𝑛= _ Ʃ𝑓𝑋 =

2. Subtract the mean from 𝑿 𝒇 ̅

𝑿 − 𝑿 ̅ )𝟐
(𝑿 − 𝑿
each score and square 4 1
the results. 6 3
7 5
9 4
10 7

3. Multiply the result

by the 𝑿 𝒇 ̅
𝑿 − 𝑿 ̅ )𝟐
(𝑿 − 𝑿 ̅ )𝟐
𝒇(𝑿 − 𝑿
corresponding 4 1
frequency. Add the 6 3
result in the 7 5
(𝑋 − 𝑋̅)2 column. 9 4
10 7

4. Compute the
variance using the
formula:
∑(𝑋 − 𝑋̅)2
𝜎2 =
𝑛

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Activity 2
Answer the following problems.
1. Complete the table below and find the variance and standard deviation of the following
probability distribution.
𝑿 𝑷(𝑿) 𝑿 · 𝑷(𝑿) 𝑿𝟐 · 𝑷(𝑿)
17 0.2
18 0.3
19 0.2
20 0.1
21 0.2

2. Find the variance and the standard deviation of the probability distribution of the
random variable X which can take only the values 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, and 13, given that
(2) = 0.15, (3) = 0.25, (5) = 0.15, 𝑃(7) = 0.10, 𝑃(11) = 0.30, and 𝑃(13) = 0.05.

POST TEST
Directions: Write the letter of the correct answer for each item.
1. Let 𝑋 be the number of typographical errors found per page in certain books. The
table below shows a probability distribution of 𝑋.
𝑋 0 1 2 3 4
𝑃(𝑋) 1 4 1 2 1
3 15 5 15 15

Find the variance of X.

A. 12/15 B.14/9 C. 11/7 D. 12/5

For numbers 2 and 3, refer to the given situation.

Taguig Traffic Management list down the following probabilities of accidents in C5 Road
daily for one week. The number of accidents per a day, and its corresponding probability
listed below.
Number of Accidents, X 0 1 2 3 4
Probability, P(X) 0.4 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1
2. What is the variance of 𝑋?
A. 𝜎2 = 1.81 B. 𝜎2 = 0.87 C. 𝜎2 = 2.01 D. 𝜎2 = 1.70
3. What is the standard deviation of 𝑋?
A. 𝜎 = 1.64 B. 𝜎 = 1.32 C. 𝜎 = 2.01 D. 𝜎 = 1.35
For numbers 4 and 5, refer to the given situation.
Consider the probability distribution presented by a bank employee.
Investment A (in pesos) Investment B (in pesos)
Profit, 𝑋 30, 000 15, 000 -5, 000 Profit, 𝑋 15, 000 30, 000 -9, 000
𝑃(𝑋) 0.6 0.3 0.1 𝑃(𝑋) 0.3 0.5 0.2

4. What is the standard deviation of the two investments?

A. Investment A is P10, 756.55 and Investment B is P11, 013.20.
B. Investment A is P9, 523.40 and Investment B is P11, 144.
C. Investment A is P11, 556.83 and Investment B is P10, 490
D. Investment A is P11,224.97 and Investment B is P14, 846.21.

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5. Which of the following is TRUE?
A. The profit values for investment A are more variable than investment B.
B. The profit values for investment B are more variable than investment A.
C. The measure of variability for investment A is higher than investment B.
D. Investment B has a higher expected profit than investment A.

REMEMBER
In computing the variance and standard deviation of discrete random variable, you
should follow the steps, namely: (1) find the mean of the probability distribution; (2)
subtract the mean from each value of random variable X; (3) square the results obtained
in Step 2 ;(4) multiply the results obtained in Step 3 by the corresponding probability;
(5) get the sum of the result obtained in Step 4 ; and (6) get the square root of the
variance to get the standard deviation.
Use the formula 𝜎2 = Ʃ[(𝑋 − µ)2 · 𝑃(𝑋)] to compute the variance of a discrete random
variable and 𝜎 = √[Ʃ𝑋2 · 𝑃(𝑋)] − µ2 for standard deviation of a discrete random variable
where:
𝑋 = value of the random variable
(𝑋) = probability of the random variable X
µ = mean of the probability distribution

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