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Random Variable

The document provides an overview of random variables, defining them as variables whose values are determined by chance, and categorizing them into discrete and continuous types. It explains discrete random variables as having finite values and continuous random variables as having infinite values within an interval. The document also discusses discrete probability distributions, their properties, and includes examples and exercises related to calculating probabilities and constructing distributions.

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keeeeeeenn0723
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2 views

Random Variable

The document provides an overview of random variables, defining them as variables whose values are determined by chance, and categorizing them into discrete and continuous types. It explains discrete random variables as having finite values and continuous random variables as having infinite values within an interval. The document also discusses discrete probability distributions, their properties, and includes examples and exercises related to calculating probabilities and constructing distributions.

Uploaded by

keeeeeeenn0723
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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STATISTICS and PROBABILITY

RANDOM VARIABLE
Important Terminologies and Concepts

Random Variable
A random variable is a variable whose possible values are
determined by chance. It is normally represented by an uppercase
letter, usually 𝑋, while its corresponding lowercase letter in this
case, 𝑥, is used to represent one of its values.

Types of Random Variables:


a. discrete
b. continuous
Discrete Random Variable

Discrete random variable can only take a finite (countable) number


of distinct values. These values are exact and can be represented by
nonnegative whole numbers.

Examples:
1. Let 𝑋 = number of cars sold by a car dealer from January to March 2020
2. Let 𝑌 = number of teachers in TVFNHS who are below 40 years old
3. Let 𝑍 = number of coffees sold by Starbucks Evia Branch on February 14,
2021
Continuous Random Variable
Continuous random variable can take an infinite number of values
in an interval between two specific values. This means they
can assume values in an interval between two specific values. They can
represent not only nonnegative values but also fractions and decimals.
These values are often result of measurements.

Examples:
1. Let 𝑋 = the number of minutes it takes a pipe to fill up the outdoor pool
of SMDC Wind Residences.
2. Let 𝑌 = the depth of drilling in meters to find oil in Sitio Bamban.
3. Let 𝑍 = the weight in kilograms of selected Grade 11 students of TVNHS-
SHS
Identify if the given random variable below is
discrete or continuous
𝑋 = the number of lightbulbs
manufactured by General Electric discrete
Company.

𝑌 = the height in meters of female


volleyball players of TVFNHS continuous
Identify if the given random variable below is
discrete or continuous
𝑋 = the weight in kilograms of male
students of GAS continuous

𝑋 = the number of laptops donated


by the LGU to the public school discrete
teachers of Davao City.
Discrete
Probability
Distribution
Discrete Probability Distribution
A listing of all possible values of a discrete random variable
along with their corresponding probabilities is called a
discrete probability distribution. It can be presented in
tabular, graphical, or formula form.

Properties of a Discrete Probability Distribution


a. The probability of each value of a discrete random
variable is between 0 and 1 inclusive.

b. The sum of all the probabilities is 1.


Example: Take a look at the table below.

Properties of a Discrete Probability Distribution


Both properties are
satisfied. Therefore, the
distribution is a discrete
probability distribution.
Example 3. A spinner is divided into four equal sections. Let 𝑋
be the score where the arrow will stop (numbered as 1, 2, 3,
and 4 in the drawing below).
a. Find the probability that the arrow will stop at 1, 2, 3, and 4.
b. Construct the discrete probability distribution of the random
variable 𝑋.
Solution:
Let 𝑋 = score on the spinner
The probability that the arrow will stop at any of the four
1
sections is 1 out of 4 or .
4
a. Find the probability that the arrow will
stop at 1, 2, 3, and 4.
1 1
𝑃 1 = 𝑃 2 =
4 4
1 1
𝑃 3 = 𝑃 4 =
4 4
x 1 2 3 4
P(x) 1 1 1 1
4 4 4 4
Both properties are
satisfied. Therefore, the
Properties of a Discrete Probability Distribution distribution is a discrete
probability distribution.
Example 4. Shown below is the discrete probability
distribution of the random variable 𝑋. Determine the value of
𝑃(2) and construct a probability histogram for it.
The probability histogram for Example 4 is shown below:
Your Turn!
A spinner given below is
divided into eight equal
sections. Let 𝑋 be the score
where the arrow will stop
(numbered as 1, 2, 3, and 4,
as shown below). a. Find the
probability that the arrow will
stop at 1, 2, 3, and 4. b.
Construct the discrete
probability distribution of the
random variable 𝑋.
Challenge! When two fair dice is thrown simultaneously,
the following are the possible outcomes:
Let the random variable 𝑋 be the
sum of the two outcomes in
throwing the fair dice
simultaneously. The possible
values are
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12.

a. Construct a probability distribution for the situation above.


b. Prove that it is a discrete probability distribution.

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