Solved Question Papers

June 2008

1. a)Find the value of e correct to three decimal places.

1. b)Add 0.2315 x 102 and 0.9443 x 102 using concept of normalized floating point.
Steps for addition :
1. Check if the numbers are in normalized form
Both the numbers are in normalized form.
2. Check if the exponents are equal, if not adjust accordingly.
In our question, the mantissas are equal.
3. Add the mantissas of given numbers.
0.2315+0.9443=1.1758
4. Check if the result is in normalized form, if not adjust it.
So, the final answer is 0.1176(rounded upto 4 decimal places)
4. It is given that 3% of the electric bulbs manufactured by a company are defective. Using
Poisson distribution, find the probability that a sample of 100 bulbs will contain no
defective bulb. Given thate-3=0.05.
Let X be a Poisson random variable, “bulb is defective”.
n=100, p=3/100
m=np=100*3/100=3
Probability that a sample of 100 bulbs will contain no defective bulb=P(X=0)
P(X=x)=e-m*mx/x!
P(X=0)=e-3*30/0!
P(X=0)=e-3*30/0!
=0.05*1/1
=0.05
December 2008

1. a)If 0.333 is the approximate value of 1/3, find absolute, relative and percentage errors.
True value=1/3
Approximate value=0.333
Absolute error=|true value-approximate value|
=|1/3-0.333|
=0.000333
Relative error =absolute error/true value
=0.000333/(1/3)=0.000999
Percentage error= relative error * 100
=0.000999*100
=.099%
1. f) The probability that an evening college student will graduate is 0.4. Determine the
probability that out of 5 students (i) none (it) one and (iii) atleast one will be graduate‘.
Let X be a binomial Random Variable “student will graduate”.
n=5, p=0.4
q=1-0.4=0.6
P(X=x)=nCxpxqn-x
P(none will graduate)=P(X=0)=5C0(0.4)0(0.6)5
=0.07776
P(one will graduate)=P(X=1)=5C1(0.4)1(0.6)4
=0.2592
P(atleast one will graduate)=P(X≥1)=1-P(X=0)
=1-0.07776
=0.92224
 June 2009

1. a) Differentiate between absolute, relative and percentage error with an example.

Absolute error :It is defined as the magnitude of the difference between the actual value (x)
and the approximated value(xa).
Suppose, true value = 22/7 approximate value=3.14
Absolute error=|x-xa|
Absolute error=|22/7-3.14|=0.0028571
Relative error :
It is defined as the ratio of absolute error and the actual value.
Relative error = |(x-xa)/x|
Relative error=|(22/7-3.14)/22/7|=0.00090908
Percentage error : relative error in percentage is called percentage error.
100er=100*|x-xa|/x
Percentage error = 100* 0.00090908
=0.090908
4. c) Explain the effect of round off error in scientific calculations.
Round off error : It is also known as rounding errors. It is due to the fact that floating point
numbers are represented by finite precision. Round off error is the difference between an
approximation of a number used in computation and its exact (correct) value. When this
approximated data is to be further utilized in successive calculations, then it causes the
propagation of error, and if the error starts growing abnormally then some big disasters
may happen.
Error and accuracy are inter-related. Less the error, more the accuracy.
5. a)If a bank receives on an average λ=6 bad cheques per dap what is the probability that
it will receive 4 bad cheques on any given day.
Let X be a Poisson RV, “bank receives bad cheque”.
λ=6
P(X=4)=e-6 *64/4!
=(0.0025*1296)/24
=0.135
5. c) A farmer buys a quantity of cabbage seeds from a company that claims that
approximately 90% of the seeds will germinate if planted properly. If four seeds are
planted, what is the probability that exactly two will germinate.
Let X be a Binomial RV of “seed will germinate”.
n=4
p=90/100=0.9
q=1-0.9
=0.1
P(exactly two will germinate)=P(X=2)
P(X=2)=4C2(0.9)2(0.1)2
=6*0.81*0.01

=0.0486
December 2009

1. a)Explain truncation error. Show that a(b-c) is not ≠ ab-ac, where : a = .5555 El b
=.4545 El c = .4535 El.
Truncation error

It is defined as an error created by approximating a mathematical operation. It is a consequence of doing

finite number of steps in a calculation that would require infinite number of steps to do exactly.
Example is : evaluation of infinite sum
Consider the Maclaurin Series:
ex=1+x+x2/2!+x3/3!+………
Suppose if we have to find the value of ex when x=0.5,
then,
e0.5=1+0.5+(0.5)2/2!+(0.5)3/3!+……….
Suppose if we are using only first 3 terms to find the value of e0.5, then whatever is left over is truncation
error.
Another example for an operation that is affected by truncation error is numerical integration.
5. a) A farmer buys a quantity of cabbage seeds from a company that claims that
approximately 90% of the seeds will germinate if planted properly. If four seeds are
planted, what is the probability that exactly two will germinate.
Let X be a Binomial RV of “seed will germinate”.
n=4
p=90/100=0.9
q=1-0.9
=0.1
P(exactly two will germinate)=P(X=2)
P(X=2)=4C2(0.9)2(0.1)2
=6*0.81*0.01

=0.0486
 June 2010

1. a) Estimate the relative error in z = x -y when x= 0.1234 x 104 and y = 0.1232 x 10 4

as stored in a system with four-digit mantissa.
x=0.1234 x 104 y=0.1232 x 104
x*=0.123 x 104 y=0.123 x 104
True value=0.1234 x 104 – 0.1232 x 104
= 0.0002
Approximate value=0.123 x 104 – 0.123 x 104
=0
Relative error = |(true value-approximate value)/true value|
= |(0.0002-0)/0.0002|
=1
1. a) A book contains 100 misprints distributed randomly throughout its 100 pages. What
is the probability that a page observed at random contains atleast two misprints.
Let X be a Poisson RV “page has mistakes”
P(x)=(e-m*mx)/x!
In 100 pages there are 100 mistakes
m=np=100*1/100=1
P(X≥2)=1-P(X≤1)
=1-[P(X=0)+P(X=1)]
P(X=0)=(e-1*10)/0!
P(X=0)=(0.3679*1)/1
=0.3679
P(X=1)=(e-1*11)/1!
=(0.3679*1)/1
=0.3679
P(X≥2)=1-[0.3679+0.3679]
=1-0.7358
=0.2642
5. c) What is a random variable ? Write down the expression which define Binomial,
Poisson and Normal probability distribution. Give two physical situation illustrating a
Poisson random variable.
A variable whose values depends on the outcomes of a random phenomenon is called a
random variable.
There are two types of random variable :
1) Discrete Random Variable
2) Continuous Random Variable
Discrete Random Variable : A random variable X is said to be discrete, if the total number of
values X can take is finite, i.e. the support of X is either finite or countable.
5. c) What is a random variable ? Write down the expression which define Binomial,
Poisson and Normal probability distribution. Give two physical situation illustrating a
Poisson random variable.
A variable whose values depends on the outcomes of a random phenomenon is called a
random variable.
There are two types of random variable :
1) Discrete Random Variable
2) Continuous Random Variable
Discrete Random Variable : A random variable X is said to be discrete, if the total number of
values X can take is finite, i.e. the support of X is either finite or countable.
Binomial Distribution :
It is a discrete distribution. Binomial distribution is also known as Bernoulli’s distribution. It
is used with the experiments where there are only two possible outcomes.
Characteristics of a binomial distribution :
• Fixed number of trials.
• Each trial is independent of the others.
• Each trial has two outcomes.
• Probability of each outcome remains constant from trial to trial.
Formula :
P(X=x) = nCx pXqn-x where n is total number of outcomes, p is probability of success and q is
probability of failure.

nC =n!/(n-r)!r!
x
Poisson Distribution :
It is a discrete distribution. It is the limiting case of binomial distribution. It is used to find the
probability of an experiment in a given time interval or specified region of space.
Characteristics of Poisson Distribution :
a) The average occurrence rate per unit time is constant.
b) Occurrence in an interval is independent of what has happened previously.
c) The chance that more than one occurrence will happen at the same time is negligible.
Formula :
P(x)=(e-m*mx)/x!
m=np, where n: total number of outcomes , p: probability of success
Few examples of situation where we use Poisson Random Variable :
• Number of typing errors on a page
• Traffic flow on a particular street
• Number of accidents on a particular stretch of read in a week
• Number of telephone calls to a call center
December 2010

1. b)Find the truncation error in the result of the following function for x=1/5 when we
use first three terms.
ex=1+x+x2/2!+x3/3!+x4/4!+x5/5!+x6/6!
Now, assign x=1/5,
e1/5=(1+x+x2/2!+x3/3!+x4/4!+x5/5!+x6/6!)-(1+x+x2/2!+x3/3!)
=(1+0.2+0.04/2+0.008/6+0.0016/24+0.00032/120+0.000064/720)-
(1+0.2+0.04/2+0.008/6)
=(1+0.2+0.02+0.0013333+0.0000666+0.0000026+0.000000089)-
(1+0.2+0.02+0.0013333)
=1.2214025-1.2213333=0.0000692
3. b)Suppose that a manufactured product has 2 defects per unit of product inspected.
Using Poisson distribution calculate the probabilities of finding a product without any
defect, 3 defects and 4 defects.
Let X be a Poisson RV “product has defect”
m=2
P(x)=(e-m*mx)/x!
P(product without any defect)=P(X=0)=(e-2*20)/0!
=0.135*1/1
=0.135
P(product with 3 defects)=P(X=3)=(e-2*23)/3!
=0.135*8/6
=0.18

P(product with 4defects)=P(X=4)=(e-2*24)/4!

=0.135*16/24
=0.09
 June 2011

1. a) Define Absolute Error, Relative Error and Percentage Error. Show that (a - b) ≠ a/c-
b/c where a =0.41, b=0.36 and c = 0.70.
Absolute error :It is defined as the magnitude of the difference between the actual value (x)
and the approximated value(xa).
Absolute error=|x-xa|
Relative error :
It is defined as the ratio of absolute error and the actual value.
Relative error = |x-xa|/x
Percentage error : relative error in percentage is called percentage error.
100er=100*|x-xa|/x
5. c) Ten coins are thrown simultaneously. Find the probability of getting at least seven
heads.
Let X be a Binomial RV “getting a head”.
n=10
p=1/2
q=1-1/2=1/2
P(getting atleast 7 heads)=P(X≥7)=P(X=7)+P(X=8)+P(X=9)+P(X=10)
P(X=x) = nCx pXqn-x
P(X=7) =10C7 (1/2)7(1/2)3
P(X=7) =10C7 (1/2)7(1/2)3
=120*1/128*1/8
=0.117
P(X=8) =10C8 (1/2)8(1/2)2
=45*1/256*1/4
=0.0439
P(X=9) =10C9 (1/2)9(1/2)1
=10*1/512*1/2
=0.0098
P(X=10) =10C10 (1/2)10(1/2)0
=1*1/1024
=0.00098
P(X≥7)=P(X=7)+P(X=8)+P(X=9)+P(X=10)
=0.117+0.0439+0.0098+0.00098
=0.17168
 December 2011

1. a) Define Error.
Solve the quadratic equation x2 + 9.9x —1= 0 using two decimal digit arithmetic with
rounding
Error is defined as the difference between the actual value and the approximate value
obtained from numerical computation.
Suppose x is actual value and xa is approximate value,
then Error = x-xa

x2 + 9.9x -1= 0
Example : 5 textbook page : Block 1 Page 14
5. a) A manufacturer of cotton pins knows that 5% of his product is defective. If he sells
cotton pins in boxes of 100 and guarantees that not more than 10 pins will be defective.
What is the approximate probability that a box will fail to meet the guaranteed quality
?
m=np
n=100,p=5%=5/100
m=np=100*5/100=5
P(x)=(e-m*mx)/x!
P(a box will fail to meet the guaranteed quality)=P(X≥10)=1-P(X≤10)
P(X=0)=(e-m*mx)/x!
=(e-5*50)/0!
=0.0067*1/1
=0.0067
P(X=1)=(e-5*51)/1!
=0.0067*5/1
=0.0335
P(X=2)=(e-5*52)/2!
=(0.0067*25/2
=0.0838
P(X=3)=(e-5*53)/3!
=0.0067*125/6
=0.1396
P(X=4)=(e-5*54)/4!
=0.0067*625/24
=0.1745
P(X=5)=(e-5*55)/5!
=0.0067*3125/120
=1.0469
P(X=6)=(e-5*56)/6!
=0.0067*15625/720
=0.145399305~0.1454
P(X=7)=(e-5*57)/7!
=0.0067*78125/5040
=0.103856646~0.1038
P(X=8)=(e-5*58)/8!
=0.0067*390625/40320
=0.064910404~0.0649
P(X=9)=(e-5*59)/9!
=0.0067*1953125/362880
=0.036061335~0.036
P(X=10)=(e-5*510)/10!
=0.0067*9765625/3628800
=0.018030667~0.0180
P(a box will fail to meet the guaranteed quality)=P(X≥10)=1-P(X≤10)
=1-
[0.0067+0.0335+0.0838+0.1396+0.1745+1.0469+0.1454+0.1038+0.0649+0.036+0.0180]
=0.8531
 June 2012

1. a)If 0.333 is the approximate value of 1/3, find absolute, relative and percentage errors.
Explain how these errors measure accuracy.
True value=1/3
Approximate value=0.333
Absolute error=|true value-approximate value|
=|1/3-0.333|
=0.000333
Relative error =absolute error/true value
=0.000333/(1/3)=0.000999
Percentage error= relative error * 100
=0.000999*100
=.099%
1. i) Write the probability distribution formula for Binomial distribution, Poisson
distribution and Normal distribution.
Formula :
Poisson distribution :
P(x)=(e-m*mx)/x!
m=np, where n: total number of outcomes , p: probability of success
Binomial distribution :
P(X=x) = nCx pXqn-x where n is total number of outcomes, p is probability of success and q is
probability of failure.

nC =n!/(n-r)!r!
x
2. d) For x = 0.5555 El ; y =0.4545 El and 3 z = 0.4535 El, prove that x (y – z) # xy – xz
4. c) If a bank receives on an average λ =6 bad cheques per day. What is the probability
that it will receive 4 bad cheques on any given day ?

Let X be a Poisson RV, “bank receives bad cheque”.

λ=6
P(X=4)=e-6 *64/4!
=(0.0024*1296)/24
=(0.0025*1296)/24
=0.135
5. c) A book contains 100 misprints distributed randomly throughout its 100 pages. What
is the probability that a page observed at random contains atleast two misprints.

Let X be a Poisson RV “page has mistakes”

P(x)=(e-m*mx)/x!
In 100 pages there are 100 mistakes
m=np=100*1/100=1
P(X≥2)=1-P(X≤1)
=1-[P(X=0)+P(X=1)]
P(X=0)=(e-1*10)/0!
P(X=0)=(0.3679*1)/1
=0.3679
P(X=1)=(e-1*11)/1!
=(0.3679*1)/1
=0.3679
P(X≥2)=1-[0.3679+0.3679]
=1-0.7358
=0.2642
December 2012

1. a)If ∏= 22/7 approximated as 3.14, find the absolute error, relative error and relative
percentage error.
True value=22/7
Approximated value=3.14
Absolute error = 22/7-3.14
=(22-21.98)/7
=0.02/7
=0.0028571
Relative error=(0.0028571)/(2/3)
=0.0085713/2
=0.00428565=0.0043
Percentage error=0.0043*100
=0.43
2. d)Let a = 0.41, b = 0.36 and c = 0.70 prove (a—b)/ c≠ a/c-b/c
5) a) What do you mean by the term "Accuracy" and "Precision" ? How are they related to
the significant digits?
Accuracy and precision are closely related to significant digits.
1) Accuracy refers to the number of significant digits in a value. For example, the number
57.396 is accurate to five significant digits.
2) Precision refers to the number of decimal positions, i.e. the order of magnitude of the last
digit in a value. The number 57.396 has a precision of 0.001 or 10–3 . 4.3201 has a
precision of 10–4.
5) a) What do you mean by term "Random Variable", classify them ? How you analyse
which probability distribution is applicable on which type of random variable ?
A variable whose values depends on the outcomes of a random phenomenon is called a
random variable.
There are two types of random variable :
1) Discrete Random Variable
2) Continuous Random Variable
Discrete Random Variable : A random variable X is said to be discrete, if the total number of
values X can take is finite, i.e. the support of X is either finite or countable.
Binomial distribution:
Binomial distribution is also known as Bernoulli’s distribution. It is used with the experiments
where there are only two possible outcomes.
Characteristics of a binomial distribution :
• Fixed number of trials.
• Each trial is independent of the others.
• Each trial has two outcomes.
• Probability of each outcome remains constant from trial to trial.
Poisson Distribution :
It is the limiting case of binomial distribution. It is used to find the probability of an experiment
in a given time interval or specified region of space.
Characteristics of Poisson Distribution :
a) The average occurrence rate per unit time is constant.
b) Occurrence in an interval is independent of what has happened previously.
c) The chance that more than one occurrence will happen at the same time is negligible.
June 2013

1. a)Explain briefly what are the sources of error ? Verify the associative property for the
floating point numbers. i.e. prove : (a + b)-c # (a - c) + b, where a = .5665E1, b = .5556E
—1 and c = .5644E1

Different sources of error are :

o Data input errors
o Error in algorithm and
o Error during computation
Data input errors : The input information is rarely exact since it comes from experiments
and any experiment can give results of only limited accuracy. Moreover, the quantity used
can be represented in a computer for only a limited number of digits.
Error in algorithm : Such errors occurs where infinite algorithms are used. Exact results are
expected only after an infinite number of steps. As this cannot be done in practice, the
algorithm has to be stopped after a finite number of steps and the results are not exact.
Error during computation: Such errors occurs when elementary operations such as
multiplication and division are used the case when number of digits increases greatly so
that the results cannot be held fully in computer register
December 2013

1. a)Verify the distributive property of floating point numbers i.e. prove : a(b-c) ≠ ab-ac
a=.5555E1, b=.4545E1, c=.4535E1 Define : Truncation error, Absolute Error and Relative
Error.
Truncation error : It is defined as an error created by approximating a mathematical
operation. It is a consequence of doing finite number of steps in a calculation that would
require infinite number of steps to do exactly.
Example is : evaluation of infinite sum
Absolute error :It is defined as the magnitude of the difference between the actual value (x)
and the approximated value(xa).
Absolute error=|x-xa|
Relative error :
It is defined as the ratio of absolute error and the actual value.
Relative error = |x-xa|/x
June 2014

1. d) Ten coins are thrown simultaneously, find the probability of getting at least seven
heads.
Let X be a Binomial RV “getting a head”.
n=10
p=1/2
q=1-1/2=1/2
P(getting atleast 7 heads)=P(X≥7)=P(X=7)+P(X=8)+P(X=9)+P(X=10)
P(X=x) = nCx pXqn-x
P(X=7) =10C7 (1/2)7(1/2)3
2. a)Determine the value of expression X = √3+ √5 + √7 ; accurate up to 4 significant
digits, also find the absolute and relative errors.
√3=1.732050808
√ 5=2.236067978
√ 7=2.645751311
Approximated value of √3=1.732
Approximated value of √5=2.236
Approximated value of √7=2.646
True value of S= 1.732050808+2.236067978+2.645751311
=6.613870097
Approximated value of S=1.732+2.236+2.646
=6.614
Absolute error = 6.613870097-6.614
=0.0001299
Relative error=0.0001299/6.613870097
=0.00001964
December 2014

1. a)Find the value of 'e', correct to 3 decimal places. e = 1 +1/2! +1/3! +1/4! +…….
1. b)If 0.333 is the approximate value of 1/3, find absolute, relative and percentage errors.
Explain how these errors measure accuracy.
True value=1/3
Approximate value=0.333
Absolute error=|true value-approximate value|
=|1/3-0.333|
=0.000333
Relative error =absolute error/true value
=0.000333/(1/3)=0.000999
Percentage error= relative error * 100
=0.000999*100
=.099%
The errors which are used for determination of accuracy are categorized as:
a) Absolute error b) Relative error c) Percentage error
Absolute error :It is defined as the magnitude of the difference between the actual value (x)
and the approximated value(xa).
Absolute error=|x-xa|
Relative error :
It is defined as the ratio of absolute error and the actual value.
Relative error = |x-xa|/x
Percentage error : relative error in percentage is called percentage error.
100er=100*|x-xa|/x
1. c) If a bank receives on an average six bad cheques per day, then what is the probability
that it will receive four bad cheques on any given day ?
Let X be a Poisson RV, “bank receives bad cheque”.
λ=6
P(X=4)=e-6 *64/4!
=(0.0024*1296)/24
=(0.0025*1296)/24
=0.135
5. b) Write short notes on the following Probability Distributions : (i) Binomial Distribution (ii)
Poisson Distribution (iii) Normal Distribution
Binomial distribution is also known as Bernoulli’s distribution. It is used with the experiments
where there are only two possible outcomes.
Characteristics of a binomial distribution :
• Fixed number of trials.
• Each trial is independent of the others.
• Each trial has two outcomes.
• Probability of each outcome remains constant from trial to trial.
Formula :
P(X=x) = nCx pXqn-x where n is total number of outcomes, p is probability of success and q is
probability of failure.

nC =n!/(n-r)!r!
x
ii. Poisson Distribution :It is the limiting case of binomial distribution. It is used to find the
probability of an experiment in a given time interval or specified region of space.
Characteristics of Poisson Distribution :
a) The average occurrence rate per unit time is constant.
b) Occurrence in an interval is independent of what has happened previously.
c) The chance that more than one occurrence will happen at the same time is negligible.
Formula :
P(x)=(e-m*mx)/x!
m=np, where n: total number of outcomes , p: probability of success
4. c) Prove that x(y-z) ≠ xy -xz, where x = 0.5555 E1, y = 0.4545 E1 and z =
0.4535 E1.
4. d) Solve the quadratic equation x2 + 9.9x - 1 = 0, using two decimal digit arithmetic
with rounding.
Answer in the text book , example 5 Block 1 Page number 14
 June 2015

1. a) Show that a(b - c) ab-ac, where a = 0.5555 x 10', b = 0.4545 x 10' and c = 0.4535 x
10'. Use 4-digit precision floating point and significant digit rounding off.
1. g) If ∏ = 314159265, then find out to how many decimal places the approximate value
of 22/ 7 is accurate.
True value=3.14159265
Approximate value=22/7
Absolute error=|true value-approximate value|
=|22/7-3.14159265|
=|(22-21.99114855)/7|
=|0.00885145/7|
=0.001264492857
0.001264492857≤ 1/2(10)-2
i.e., k=2

Therefore, ∏=3.14159265 is accurate upto 2 decimal places or 3 significant digits.

2. c)What are the sources of errors in numerical data and processing ? How does error
measure accuracy ?
Different sources of error are :
o Data input errors
o Error in algorithm and
o Error during computation
Data input errors : The input information is rarely exact since it comes from experiments
and any experiment can give results of only limited accuracy. Moreover, the quantity used
can be represented in a computer for only a limited number of digits.
Error in algorithm : Such errors occurs where infinite algorithms are used. Exact results are
expected only after an infinite number of steps. As this cannot be done in practice, the
algorithm has to be stopped after a finite number of steps and the results are not exact.
Error during computation: Such errors occurs when elementary operations such as
multiplication and division are used the case when number of digits increases greatly so
that the results cannot be held fully in computer register.
The errors which are used for determination of accuracy are categorized as:
a) Absolute error b) Relative error c) Percentage error
Absolute error :It is defined as the magnitude of the difference between the actual value (x)
and the approximated value(xa).
Absolute error=|x-xa|
Relative error :
It is defined as the ratio of absolute error and the actual value.
Relative error = |x-xa|/x
Percentage error : relative error in percentage is called percentage error.
100er=100*|x-xa|/x
4. b) A manufacturer of cotton pins knows that 5% of his product is defective. If he sells
cotton pins in boxes of 100 and guarantees that not more than 10 pins will be defective.
What is the approximate probability that a box will fail to meet the guaranteed quality
?
m=np
n=100,p=5%=5/100
m=np=100*5/100=5
P(x)=(e-m*mx)/x!
P(a box will fail to meet the guaranteed quality)=P(X≥10)=1-P(X≤10)
P(X=0)=(e-m*mx)/x!
=(e-5*50)/0!
=0.0067*1/1
=0.0067
P(X=1)=(e-5*51)/1!
=0.0067*5/1
=0.0335
P(X=2)=(e-5*52)/2!
=(0.0067*25/2
=0.0838
P(X=3)=(e-5*53)/3!
=0.0067*125/6
=0.1396
P(X=4)=(e-5*54)/4!
=0.0067*625/24
=0.1745
P(X=5)=(e-5*55)/5!
=0.0067*3125/120
=1.0469
P(X=6)=(e-5*56)/6!
=0.0067*15625/720
=0.145399305~0.1454
P(X=7)=(e-5*57)/7!
=0.0067*78125/5040
=0.103856646~0.1038
P(X=8)=(e-5*58)/8!
=0.0067*390625/40320
=0.064910404~0.0649
P(X=9)=(e-5*59)/9!
=0.0067*1953125/362880
=0.036061335~0.036
P(X=10)=(e-5*510)/10!
=0.0067*9765625/3628800
=0.018030667~0.0180
P(a box will fail to meet the guaranteed quality)=P(X≥10)=1-P(X≤10)
=1-
[0.0067+0.0335+0.0838+0.1396+0.1745+1.0469+0.1454+0.1038+0.0649+0.036+0.0180]
=0.8531
5. c)If a bank receives on an average 6 bad cheques per dap what is the probability that it
will receive 4 bad cheques on any given day.
Let X be a Poisson RV, “bank receives bad cheque”.
λ=6
P(X=4)=e-6 *64/4!
=(0.0025*1296)/24
=0.135
December 2015

1. b)Round off the number 4.5126 to 4 significant figures and find the relative percentage
error.
True value=4.5126
Approximate value=4.513
Absolute error=|true value-approximate value|=|4.5126-4.513|
=0.0004
Relative error=|absolute error/true value|=|0.0004/4.5126|
=0.00008864
Percentage error=100*relative error=.008864%
2. a) What do you mean by the term "Accuracy" and "Precision" ? How are they related to
the significant digits?
Accuracy and precision are closely related to significant digits.
1) Accuracy refers to the number of significant digits in a value. For example, the number
57.396 is accurate to five significant digits.
2) Precision refers to the number of decimal positions, i.e. the order of magnitude of the last
digit in a value. The number 57.396 has a precision of 0.001 or 10–3 . 4.3201 has a
precision of 10–4.
4. a) If a bank receives on an average X = 6 bad cheques per day, what is the probability
that it will receive 4 bad cheques on any given day, where X denotes the average arrival
rate per day ?Let X be a Poisson RV, “bank receives bad cheque”.
λ=6
P(X=4)=e-6 *64/4!
=(0.0025*1296)/24
=0.135
5. c)Round off the number 4.5126 to 4 significant figures and find the relative percentage
error.
True value=4.5126
Approximate value=4.513
Absolute error=|true value-approximate value|=|4.5126-4.513|
=0.0004
Relative error=|absolute error/true value|=|0.0004/4.5126|
=0.00008864
Percentage error=100*relative error=.008864%
June 2016

1. a)If ∏= 22/7 approximated as 3.14, find the absolute error, relative error and relative
percentage error.
True value=22/7
Approximated value=3.14
Absolute error = 22/7-3.14
=(22-21.98)/7
=0.02/7
=0.0028571
Relative error=(0.0028571)/(2/3)
=0.0085713/2
=0.00428565=0.0043
Percentage error=0.0043*100
=0.43
3. b) A farmer buys a quantity of cabbage seeds from a company that claims that
approximately 90% of the seeds will germinate if planted properly. If four seeds are
planted, what is the probability that exactly two will germinate.
Let X be a Binomial RV of “seed will germinate”.
n=4
p=90/100=0.9
q=1-0.9
=0.1
P(exactly two will germinate)=P(X=2)
P(X=2)=4C2(0.9)2(0.1)2
=6*0.81*0.01

=0.0486
December 2016

1. a)Let a = 0.345 x 100, b = 0.245 x 10-3and c = 0.432 x 10-3. Using 3-digit decimal
arithmetic with rounding, prove that (a + b) c ≠ a + (b + c).
2. c)If a bank receives on an average λ=6 bad cheques per dap what is the probability that
it will receive 4 bad cheques on any given day.
Let X be a Poisson RV, “bank receives bad cheque”.
λ=6
P(X=4)=e-6 *64/4!
=(0.0025*1296)/24
=0.135
June 2017

1. a)Evaluate the relative error of the function f = xy2z3, if x = 37.1, y = 9.87, z = 6.052
and ∆x = 0.3, ∆ y = 0.11, ∆ z = 0.016.
1. d) A taxi hire firm has two taxies which it hires out day by day. The number of
demands for a car on each day is distributed as Poisson variate with mean 1.5. Calculate
the proportion of the day on which (i) neither taxi is used, and (ii) some demand is
refused.
m=1.5
P(x)=(e-m*mx)/x!
P(neither taxi is used)=P(X=0)=(e-1.5*1.50)/0!
=0.22313016~0.2231
P(some demand is refused)=P(x≥3)=1-[P(X=0)+P(X=1)+P(X=2)]
P(X=0)=(e-1.5*1.50)/0!
=0.22313016~0.2231
P(X=1)=(e-1.5*1.51)/1!
=0.2231*1.5
=0.3346
P(X=2)=(e-1.5*1.52)/2!
=0.2509
P(some demand is refused)=P(x≥3)=1-[P(X=0)+P(X=1)+P(X=2)]
=1-[0.2231+0.3346+0.2509]
= 0.1914
December 2017

1. a)Evaluate the sum S = √ 7 + √ 5 + √3 to 4 significant digits and find its absolute and
relative error.
√ 7=2.645751311
√ 5=2.236067978
√3=1.732050808
Approximated value of √7=2.646
Approximated value of √5=2.236
Approximated value of √3=1.732
True value of S= 2.645751311+2.236067978+1.732050808
=6.613870097
Approximated value of S=2.646+2.236+1.732
=6.614
Absolute error = 6.613870097-6.614
=0.0001299
Relative error=0.0001299/6.613870097
=0.00001964
4. a) A thesis contains 100 misprints distributed randomly throughout its 100 pages.
What is the probability that a page observed at random contains at least two misprints?
Let X be a Poisson RV “page has mistakes”
P(x)=(e-m*mx)/x!
In 100 pages there are 100 mistakes
m=np=100*1/100=1
P(X≥2)=1-P(X≤1)
=1-[P(X=0)+P(X=1)]
P(X=0)=(e-1*10)/0!
P(X=0)=(0.3679*1)/1
=0.3679
P(X=1)=(e-1*11)/1!
=(0.3679*1)/1
=0.3679
P(X≥2)=1-[0.3679+0.3679]
=1-0.7358
=0.2642
5) b) Discuss the formulas for the following : (i) Binomial distribution (ii) Poisson distribution (iii)
Normal distribution
Binomial distribution is also known as Bernoulli’s distribution. It is used with the experiments where
there are only two possible outcomes.
Characteristics of a binomial distribution :
• Fixed number of trials.
• Each trial is independent of the others.
• Each trial has two outcomes.
• Probability of each outcome remains constant from trial to trial.
Formula :
P(X=x) = nCx pXqn-x where n is total number of outcomes, p is probability of success and q is probability
of failure.

nC
x=n!/(n-r)!r!
ii. Poisson Distribution :It is the limiting case of binomial distribution. It is used to find the
probability of an experiment in a given time interval or specified region of space.
Characteristics of Poisson Distribution :
a) The average occurrence rate per unit time is constant.
b) Occurrence in an interval is independent of what has happened previously.
c) The chance that more than one occurrence will happen at the same time is negligible.
Formula :
P(x)=(e-m*mx)/x!
m=np, where n: total number of outcomes , p: probability of success
5. b)If a bank receives on an average λ=6 bad cheques per dap what is the probability that
it will receive 4 bad cheques on any given day.
Let X be a Poisson RV, “bank receives bad cheque”.
λ=6
P(X=4)=e-6 *64/4!
=(0.0025*1296)/24
=0.135
June 2018

1. a)Define relative and percentage error. Find the relative and percentage error when the
value of ∏= 22/7 is approximated to 3.14.
Relative error : It is defined as the ratio of absolute error and the actual value. It is denoted
by Er.
Relative error = |x-xa|/x
Percentage error :relative error in percentage is called percentage error.
It is denoted by Ep.
Ep=100*|x-xa|/x
True value=22/7
Approximated value=3.14
Absolute error = 22/7-3.14
=(22-21.98)/7
=0.02/7
=0.0028571
Relative error=(0.0028571)/(2/3)
=0.0085713/2
=0.00428565=0.0043
Percentage error=0.0043*100
=0.43
1. b)Find the value of 'e', correct to 3 decimal places. e= 1+ ½! +1/3! + ¼! +…..
1. g) A farmer buys a quantity of cabbage seeds from a company that claims that
approximately 90% of the seeds will germinate if planted properly. If four seeds are
planted, what is the probability that exactly two will germinate.
Let X be a Binomial RV of “seed will germinate”.
n=4
p=90/100=0.9
q=1-0.9
=0.1
P(exactly two will germinate)=P(X=2)
P(X=2)=4C2(0.9)2(0.1)2
=6*0.81*0.01

=0.0486
 December 2018

1. a)Describe the term 'Error'. How are errors generated in the calculation performed by
computers ?
Ans : Error is defined as the difference between the actual value and the approximate value
obtained from numerical computation.
Suppose x is actual value and xa is approximate value,
then Error = x-xa
Generation of errors :
 Every operation has 2 parts : operand and operator. Approximation in either of the two
contributes to errors. Approximation to operands causes propagated errors and
approximations to operators causes generated errors.
 Sources of error :
Different sources of error are :
o Data input errors
o Error in algorithm and
o Error during computation
Data input errors : The input information is rarely exact since it comes from experiments
and any experiment can give results of only limited accuracy. Moreover, the quantity used
can be represented in a computer for only a limited number of digits.
Error in algorithm : Such errors occurs where infinite algorithms are used. Exact results are
expected only after an infinite number of steps. As this cannot be done in practice, the
algorithm has to be stopped after a finite number of steps and the results are not exact.
Error during computation: Such errors occurs when elementary operations such as
multiplication and division are used the case when number of digits increases greatly so
that the results cannot be held fully in computer register.
1. b)Show that a(b - c) ab-ac, where a = 0.5555 x 10', b = 0.4545 x 10' and c = 0.4535 x
10'. Use 4-digit precision floating point and significant digit rounding off.
1. g) In turning out certain toys in the manufacturing process in a factory, the average
number of defectives is 10%. What is the probability of getting exactly 3 defectives in a
sample of 10 toys chosen at random, by using Poisson approximation ? (Take e = 2.72).
m=np
=10*1/10=1
P(x)=(e-m*mx)/x!
P(x=3) =(e-1.13)/3!=0.3679/6
=0.06131666~0.061317
In question, it is given
Take e = 2.72.
So when e=2.72
P(x=3) =(e-1.13)/3!=2.72/6
=0.453333333~0.4533
3. a)Write short notes on any four of the following : (i) Discrete Random Variable (ii)
Continuous Random Variable (iii) Binomial Distribution (iv) Poisson Distribution (v)
Chi-square Distribution
(i) Discrete Random Variable : A random variable X is said to be discrete, if the total number
of values X can take is finite, i.e. the support of X is either finite or countable. Examples of
discrete random variable : The number of industrial accidents in each month in West
Bengal. The number of defective goods in a shipment of goods from a manufacturer.
iii. Binomial distribution : Binomial distribution is also known as Bernoulli’s distribution. It is
used with the experiments where there are only two possible outcomes.
Characteristics of a binomial distribution :
• Fixed number of trials.
• Each trial is independent of the others.
• Each trial has two outcomes.
• Probability of each outcome remains constant from trial to trial.
Formula :
P(X=x) = nCx pXqn-x where n is total number of outcomes, p is probability of success and q is
probability of failure.
iii. Binomial distribution : Binomial distribution is also known as Bernoulli’s distribution. It is
used with the experiments where there are only two possible outcomes.
Characteristics of a binomial distribution :
• Fixed number of trials.
• Each trial is independent of the others.
• Each trial has two outcomes.
• Probability of each outcome remains constant from trial to trial.
Formula :
P(X=x) = nCx pXqn-x where n is total number of outcomes, p is probability of success and q is
probability of failure.
iv. Poisson distribution :It is the limiting case of binomial distribution. It is used to find the
probability of an experiment in a given time interval or specified region of space.
Characteristics of Poisson Distribution :
a) The average occurrence rate per unit time is constant.
b) Occurrence in an interval is independent of what has happened previously.
c) The chance that more than one occurrence will happen at the same time is negligible.
Formula :
P(x)=(e-m*mx)/x!
m=np, where n: total number of outcomes , p: probability of success
 June 2019

5) b) What do you mean by the term "Accuracy" and "Precision" ? How are they related to
the significant digits?
Accuracy and precision are closely related to significant digits.
1) Accuracy refers to the number of significant digits in a value. For example, the number
57.396 is accurate to five significant digits.
2) Precision refers to the number of decimal positions, i.e. the order of magnitude of the last
digit in a value. The number 57.396 has a precision of 0.001 or 10–3 . 4.3201 has a
precision of 10–4.
1. d) What is the probability of getting at least seven heads, when ten coins are thrown
simultaneously ?
Let X be a Binomial RV “getting a head”.
n=10
p=1/2
q=1-1/2=1/2
P(getting atleast 7 heads)=P(X≥7)=P(X=7)+P(X=8)+P(X=9)+P(X=10)
P(X=x) = nCx pXqn-x
P(X=7) =10C7 (1/2)7(1/2)3
P(X=7) =10C7 (1/2)7(1/2)3
=120*1/128*1/8
=0.117
P(X=8) =10C8 (1/2)8(1/2)2
=45*1/256*1/4
=0.0439
P(X=9) =10C9 (1/2)9(1/2)1
=10*1/512*1/2
=0.0098
P(X=10) =10C10 (1/2)10(1/2)0
=1*1/1024
=0.00098
P(X≥7)=P(X=7)+P(X=8)+P(X=9)+P(X=10)
=0.117+0.0439+0.0098+0.00098
=0.17168