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Grade 11 • Unit 2: Probability Mass Function, Mean, and Variance of a Discrete Random
Variable

LESSON 2.1
Probability Mass Function of a Discrete Random
Variable
Table of Contents

Learning Competencies 1
Learning Objectives 1
Essential Questions 2
Prerequisite Skills and Topics 2
Lesson Proper 3
A. Introduction to the Lesson 3
B. Discussion 5
C. Practice & Feedback 12
Performance Assessment 20
Worksheet Answer Key 21
Synthesis 24
Bibliography 25
Grade 11 • Unit 2: Probability Mass Function, Mean, and Variance of a Discrete Random
Variable

Unit 2 | Probability Mass Function, Mean, and Variance of

a Discrete Random Variable

Lesson 1: Probability Mass Function of a

Discrete Random Variable

Learning Competencies
At the end of the lesson, the learners should be able to do the following:

● Construct the probability mass function of a discrete random variable and

its corresponding histogram.

● Compute probabilities corresponding to a given random variable

(M11/12SP-IIIa-6).

Learning Objectives
At the end of the lesson, the learners should be able to do the following:

● Construct a probability mass function of a given discrete random variable.

● Graph values and probabilities of a discrete random variable in a

histogram.

● Illustrate discrete random variables in real-life situations.

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Grade 11 • Unit 2: Probability Mass Function, Mean, and Variance of a Discrete Random
Variable

Essential Questions

At the end of this lesson, the student should be able to answer the following questions:
● Why is it important to distinguish a discrete random variable from a continuous
random variable in determining the probability mass function of a variable?
● What is the advantage of constructing a histogram in illustrating the probability mass
function of a discrete random variable?

Prerequisite Skills and Topics

Skills:
● Evaluating and graphing functions
● Determining a random variable
● Differentiating a discrete random variable and a continuous random variable
● Illustrating a probability distribution

Topics:
● General Mathematics Unit 1: Introduction to Functions | Lesson 3: Evaluating and
Graphing Functions
● Statistics and Probability Unit 1: Random Variables and Probability Distributions |
Lesson 1: Random Variables
● Statistics and Probability Unit 1: Random Variables and Probability Distributions |
Lesson 3: Probability Distribution

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Grade 11 • Unit 2: Probability Mass Function, Mean, and Variance of a Discrete Random
Variable

Lesson Proper

A. Introduction to the Lesson

Suggested Warm-up Activities
Choose from any of the following warm-up activities. These warm-up activities should
either stimulate recall of the previous lesson or introduce the lesson and not already
used in the study guide.

Activity 1: What’s in the Box?

This activity will help students illustrate the probability distribution of drawing a ball
from a given set.

Duration: 10 minutes

Materials Needed: box, colored balls or marbles

Methodology:
1. Put the different types of balls inside a box. Make sure to determine the
number of balls and their corresponding color on the box.
2. Present to the class a list of choices on what is inside the box and the number
of each item. Let them determine the probability of each item.
3. Call five random students to pick an item from the box. If the class can guess
what item was picked, the class will have a point.

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Grade 11 • Unit 2: Probability Mass Function, Mean, and Variance of a Discrete Random
Variable

Expected Results:
Results may vary. An example is as follows:

A box contains 8 red balls, 10 blue balls, and 2 green balls. The probabilities of drawing
2 1 1
said balls are 5, 2, and 10, respectively.

Guide Questions:
1. Were you able to guess correctly the object drawn in the box?
2. How do you know which object has a higher probability of being drawn?

Activity 2: Happy Birthday!

This activity will help the students illustrate real-life situations as probability
distributions.

Duration: 10 minutes

Materials Needed: pen, paper, marker, cartolina

Methodology:
1. Divide the class into two groups.
2. Ask each group to record their birth months in a paper.
3. Ask each group to determine the probability that a person is born under a
particular month if a random person is picked from their group. Write it beside
each month.
4. Graph the results using a bar graph.
5. Ask each group to present their work in class.

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Grade 11 • Unit 2: Probability Mass Function, Mean, and Variance of a Discrete Random
Variable

Expected Results:
The students should be able to illustrate the birth months of each student and their
frequencies on a bar graph. They should be able to determine the probabilities as
well.

Guide Questions:
1. Was it difficult to graph the birth month of each member of your group?
2. Do you think that the birth months are equally distributed? Why do you think
so?

Teacher’s Notes
To help better gauge students’ readiness for this lesson, you may assign the short test
given in the Test Your Prerequisite Skills section of the corresponding study guide.

B. Discussion

1. Define and Discover

Teacher’s Notes
You may use the Learn about It! slides in the presentation file to discuss the following
key concepts and examples. Make sure to address student questions before jumping
from one concept to another.

The following concepts will be discussed in this lesson:

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Grade 11 • Unit 2: Probability Mass Function, Mean, and Variance of a Discrete Random
Variable

• Probability Mass Function of a Discrete Random Variable – given a discrete

random variable 𝑋, it is a function that satisfies the following properties:
a. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑃(𝑋 = 𝑥)
b. 0 ≤ 𝑓(𝑥) ≤ 1
c. The sum of the probabilities, 𝑓(𝑥𝑖 ), is equal to 1.

Example:
A coin is flipped three times. Let 𝑋 represent the number of heads that appear
in flipping a coin. The probability mass function can be represented using a
table.

𝑿 0 1 2 3
1 3 3 1
𝑷(𝑿 = 𝒙)
8 8 8 8

• Histogram – a graph of a probability mass function

The possible values of the discrete random variable are on the horizontal axis
while its probabilities are on the vertical axis. The total area under a histogram
is 1.

Example:
A coin is flipped three times. Let 𝑋 represent the number of heads that appear
in flipping a coin. The histogram that represents the probability mass function
is as follows.

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Grade 11 • Unit 2: Probability Mass Function, Mean, and Variance of a Discrete Random
Variable

2. Develop and Demonstrate

Example 1
Two coins are tossed. Let 𝐻 be the number of heads that occur. Construct the
probability distribution for the random variable 𝐻 and its corresponding
histogram.
Solution:
1. Determine the values for the random variable 𝐻.

In this problem, two coins are tossed. By the Fundamental Counting Principle,
there will be 2 ∙ 2 = 4 possible outcomes. The sample space of the experiment is
𝑆 = {𝐻𝐻, 𝐻𝑇, 𝑇𝐻, 𝑇𝑇}.

In this sample space, we will have the following values for the random variable 𝐻.

Outcomes 𝑯
𝐻𝐻 2
𝐻𝑇 1
𝑇𝐻 1
𝑇𝑇 0

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Grade 11 • Unit 2: Probability Mass Function, Mean, and Variance of a Discrete Random
Variable

Thus, 𝐻 = 0, 1, 2.

2. Construct the probability distribution for the random variable.

The probability distribution of the random variable 𝐻 can be written as follows:

𝑯 0 1 2
1 1 1
𝑷(𝑯)
4 2 4

3. Construct the histogram for the probability distribution.

Constructing the histogram of a probability distribution is the same as

constructing a bar graph. The horizontal axis will have the values for 𝐻, and the
vertical axis will have the probability values. The height of each bar is the same as
the probability value.

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Grade 11 • Unit 2: Probability Mass Function, Mean, and Variance of a Discrete Random
Variable

Example 2
A train contains girls and boys. If three persons are taken from the train one after the
other, determine the possible values of the random variable 𝐺 representing the
number of girls. Construct its corresponding histogram.

Solution:
1. Determine the values for the random variable 𝐺.

If three persons are going to be taken, then there will be 2 ∙ 2 ∙ 2 = 8 possible

outcomes according to the Fundamental Counting Principle. The sample space is
𝑆 = {𝐺𝐺𝐺, 𝐺𝐺𝐵, 𝐺𝐵𝐺, 𝐵𝐺𝐺, 𝐵𝐵𝐺, 𝐵𝐺𝐵, 𝐺𝐵𝐵, 𝐵𝐵𝐵}.

In this sample space, we will have the following values for the random variable 𝐺.

Outcomes 𝑮 Outcomes 𝑮

𝐺𝐺𝐺 3 𝐵𝐵𝐺 1
𝐺𝐺𝐵 2 𝐵𝐺𝐵 1
𝐺𝐵𝐺 2 𝐺𝐵𝐵 1
𝐵𝐺𝐺 2 𝐵𝐵𝐵 0

Thus, 𝑮 = 𝟎, 𝟏, 𝟐, 𝟑.

2. Construct the probability distribution for the random variable.

The probability distribution of the random variable 𝐺 can be written as follows:

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Grade 11 • Unit 2: Probability Mass Function, Mean, and Variance of a Discrete Random
Variable

𝑮 0 1 2 3
1 3 3 1
𝑷(𝑮)
8 8 8 8

3. Construct the histogram for the probability distribution.

Example 3
Consider the following probability distribution.

𝑮 3 2 1 0
1 3 3 1
𝑷(𝑮)
8 8 8 8

Find the following:

a. 𝑃(𝐺 = 3)
b. 𝑃(𝐺 = 1)
c. 𝑃(𝐺 > 1)
d. 𝑃(𝐺 < 2)
e. ∑ 𝑃(𝐺)

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Grade 11 • Unit 2: Probability Mass Function, Mean, and Variance of a Discrete Random
Variable

Solution:
a. The notation 𝑃(𝐺 = 3) refers to the probability that the number of girls is 3.
𝟏
Based on the probability distribution, 𝑷(𝑮 = 𝟑) = 𝟖.

b. The notation 𝑃(𝐺 = 1) refers to the probability that the number of girls is 1.
𝟑
Based on the probability distribution, 𝑷(𝑮 = 𝟏) = .
𝟖

c. The notation 𝑃(𝐺 > 1) refers to the probability that the number of girls is
greater than 1. In this case, we are looking for the probability that the number
of girls is 2 or 3.

𝑃(𝐺 > 1) = 𝑃(2) + 𝑃(3)

3 1
= +
8 8
1
=
2

𝟏
Thus, 𝑷(𝑮 > 𝟏) = 𝟐.

d. The notation 𝑃(𝐺 < 2) refers to the probability that the number of girls is less
than 2. In this case, we are looking for the probability that the number of girls
is 1 or 0.
𝑃(𝐺 < 2) = 𝑃(1) + 𝑃(0)
3 1
= +
8 8
1
=
2

𝟏
Thus, 𝑷(𝑮 < 𝟐) = 𝟐.

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Grade 11 • Unit 2: Probability Mass Function, Mean, and Variance of a Discrete Random
Variable

e. To find ∑ 𝑃(𝐺), we need to find the sum of all probability values.

∑ 𝑃(𝐺) = 𝑃(3) + 𝑃(2) + 𝑃(1) + 𝑃(0)

1 3 3 1
= + + +
8 8 8 8
=1

Thus, ∑𝑷(𝑮) = 𝟏.

C. Practice & Feedback

For Individual Practice
1. Ask the students to answer the following problem items individually using pen
and paper.
2. Give students enough time to answer the problem items.
3. Call a random student to show his or her work on the board afterward.
4. Let the student share how he or she comes up with his or her solution.
5. Inform the student the accuracy of his answer and solution, and in the case
when there is some sort of misconception, lead the student to the right
direction to find the correct answer.

Problem 1
Determine whether or not the formula below describes a probability distribution.

𝑋−1
𝑃(𝑋) = 2
, where 𝑋 = 0, 1, 2, 3

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Grade 11 • Unit 2: Probability Mass Function, Mean, and Variance of a Discrete Random
Variable

Solution:
To determine if the formula describes a probability distribution, substitute the values
of the random variable in the formula to get the corresponding probability values.
The obtained values are shown in the table below:

𝑿 𝑷(𝑿)
𝟏
0 −
𝟐
1 0
1
2
2
3 1

∑ 𝑃(𝑋) = 1

The formula does not describe a probability distribution because it has a negative
probability.

Problem 2
Determine whether or not the formula below describes a probability distribution.

𝑋+1
𝑃(𝑋) = , where 𝑋 = 0, 1, 3
7

If it is a probability distribution, solve the following:

a. 𝑃(𝑋 = 3)
b. 𝑃(𝑋 ≥ 1)
c. 𝑃(𝑋 ≤ 1)

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Grade 11 • Unit 2: Probability Mass Function, Mean, and Variance of a Discrete Random
Variable

Solution:
1. To determine if the formula describes a probability distribution, substitute the
values of the random variable in the formula to get corresponding probability
values. The obtained values are shown in the table below:

𝑿 𝑷(𝑿)
1
0
7
2
1
7
4
3
7
∑ 𝑃(𝑋) = 1

2. The formula gives a probability distribution since 0 ≤ 𝑃(𝑋) ≤ 1 where 𝑋 = 0, 1, 3,

and Σ𝑃(𝑋) = 1.
a. The notation 𝑃(𝑋 = 3) refers to the probability that the random variable is
𝟒
equal to 3. Based on the probability distribution, 𝑷(𝑿 = 𝟑) = .
𝟕

b. The notation 𝑃(𝑋 ≥ 1) refers to the probability that the random variable is
greater than or equal to 1. In this case, we are looking for the probability that
the random variable is equal to 1 or 3.

𝑃(𝑋 ≥ 1) = 𝑃(1) + 𝑃(3)

2 4
= +
7 7
6
=
7

𝟔
Thus, 𝑷(𝑿 ≥ 𝟏) = 𝟕.

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Grade 11 • Unit 2: Probability Mass Function, Mean, and Variance of a Discrete Random
Variable

c. The notation 𝑃(𝑋 ≤ 1) refers to the probability that the random variable is
less than or equal to 1. In this case, we are looking for the probability that
the random variable is equal to 1 or 0.

𝑃(𝑋 ≤ 1) = 𝑃(1) + 𝑃(0)

2 1
= +
7 7
3
=
7

𝟑
Thus, 𝑷(𝑿 ≤ 𝟏) = 𝟕.

Problem 3
𝑋+1
Create the histogram of the probability function 𝑃(𝑋) = where 𝑋 = 0, 1, 3.
7

Solution:
1. Construct the probability distribution by substituting the values of 𝑋 in the
probability function.

𝑿 𝑷(𝑿)
1
0
7
2
1
7
4
3
7
∑ 𝑃(𝑋) = 1

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Grade 11 • Unit 2: Probability Mass Function, Mean, and Variance of a Discrete Random
Variable

2. Construct the histogram.

For Group Practice

1. Ask the students to form a minimum of 2 groups to a maximum of 5 groups.
2. Each group will answer problem items 4 and 5. These questions are meant to test
students’ higher-order thinking skills by working collaboratively with their peers.
3. Give students enough time to analyze the problem and work on their solution.
4. Ask each group to assign a representative to show their solution on the board and
discuss as a group how they come up with their solution.
5. Inform the student the accuracy of his answer and solution, and in the case when
there is some sort of misconception, give the student opportunity to work with
his/her peers to re-analyze the problem, and then lead them to the right direction
to find the correct answer.

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Grade 11 • Unit 2: Probability Mass Function, Mean, and Variance of a Discrete Random
Variable

Problem 4
A box of light bulbs has five defective bulbs and three working bulbs. If three bulbs
are taken simultaneously, determine the possible values of the random variable 𝐷
that represents the number of defective light bulbs. Create a histogram for the
probability distribution.

Solution:
1. Determine the sample space.

Let 𝑆 be the sample space. If three bulbs are taken simultaneously, then by the
Fundamental Counting Principle, there are 2 ∙ 2 ∙ 2 = 8 possible outcomes.

𝑆 = {𝐷𝐷𝐷, 𝐷𝐷𝑊, 𝐷𝑊𝐷, 𝑊𝐷𝐷, 𝑊𝑊𝐷, 𝑊𝐷𝑊, 𝐷𝑊𝑊, 𝑊𝑊𝑊}

2. Determine the values for the random variable 𝐷.

Outcome 𝑫 Outcome 𝑫
𝐷𝐷𝐷 3 𝑊𝑊𝐷 1
𝐷𝐷𝑊 2 𝑊𝐷𝑊 1
𝐷𝑊𝐷 2 𝐷𝑊𝑊 1
𝑊𝐷𝐷 2 𝑊𝑊𝑊 0

Thus, 𝑫 = 𝟎, 𝟏, 𝟐, 𝟑.

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Grade 11 • Unit 2: Probability Mass Function, Mean, and Variance of a Discrete Random
Variable

3. Construct the probability distribution for the random variable 𝐷.

Number of Defective Probability

Bulbs (𝑫) 𝑷(𝑫)

1
0
8
3
1
8
3
2
8
1
3
8
∑ 𝑃(𝐷) = 1

4. Construct the histogram.

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Grade 11 • Unit 2: Probability Mass Function, Mean, and Variance of a Discrete Random
Variable

Problem 5
A mango farm has 1 760 trees, where each tree produces 100 to 500 good quality
mangoes yearly. Let 𝑋 be the number of quality mangoes that a mango tree produces.
The probability distribution 𝑃(𝑋) is presented below. If a mango tree is selected at
random, what is the chance that the tree bears at least 300 mangoes? How many
trees can produce at least 300 mangoes in a year?

𝑿 (in hundreds) 5 4 3 2 1
𝑷(𝑿) 0.08 0.18 0.21 0.30 0.23

Solution:
1. Solve for the probability that a mango tree selected at random will produce at
least 300 mangoes.

The phrase “at least” denotes the inequality symbol “≥”. Thus, we are going to find
𝑃(𝑋 ≥ 3).

𝑃(𝑋 ≥ 3) = 𝑃(5) + 𝑃(4) + 𝑃(3)

= 0.08 + 0.18 + 0.21
= 0.47

Therefore, there are around 𝟒𝟕% of the whole mango farm that bears at least
300 mangoes per year.

2. Find the number of trees that can produce at least 300 mangoes.

Multiply the 𝑃(𝑋 ≥ 3) to the total number of mango trees.

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Grade 11 • Unit 2: Probability Mass Function, Mean, and Variance of a Discrete Random
Variable

Number of trees = 0.47 ⋅ 1 760

= 827. 2

Thus, there are around 827 trees that bear at least 300 mangoes per year.

Performance Assessment
This performance assessment serves as a formative assessment, divided into three sets
based on the student's level of learning. Click on the link provided on the lesson page to
access each worksheet.

● Worksheet I (for beginners)

● Worksheet II (for average learners)
● Worksheet III (for advanced learners)

Teacher’s Notes
For a standard performance assessment regardless of the student’s level of learning,
you may give the problem items provided in the Check Your Understanding section
of the study guide.

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Grade 11 • Unit 2: Probability Mass Function, Mean, and Variance of a Discrete Random
Variable

Worksheet Answer Key

Worksheet I

A. 1.
𝑻 0 1 2 3
1 3 3 1
𝑷(𝑻)
8 8 8 8
2.

B. 1. 0.48
2. 192
3.

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Grade 11 • Unit 2: Probability Mass Function, Mean, and Variance of a Discrete Random
Variable

Worksheet II

A. 1.
𝑶 0 1 2
𝑷(𝑶) 9/16 6/16 1/16

2.

B. 1. 0.70
2. 2 311 students

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Grade 11 • Unit 2: Probability Mass Function, Mean, and Variance of a Discrete Random
Variable

3.

Worksheet III

A. 1.
𝑯 0 1 2
9 6 1
𝑷(𝑯)
16 16 16

2.

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Grade 11 • Unit 2: Probability Mass Function, Mean, and Variance of a Discrete Random
Variable

B. 1. The broker is incorrect. The probability of getting at least 5% is 0.28; the probability
of getting at least 7% is 0.07.
2. 0.12

Synthesis

Wrap-up To summarize the lesson, ask students the following questions:

1. How do we construct a probability mass function of a
discrete random variable?
2. What do the horizontal and vertical axes of the histogram
represent?

Application and To integrate values and build connection to the real world, ask
Values Integration students the following questions:
1. How do we relate probability mass functions in decision
making?
2. As a student, why is it important to learn about probability
mass function?

Bridge to the Next To spark interest for the next lesson, ask students the following
Topic questions:
1. How would we know the outcome that is most likely to
happen?
2. How do you interpret the mean of the probabilities of the
probability distribution?

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Grade 11 • Unit 2: Probability Mass Function, Mean, and Variance of a Discrete Random
Variable

Bibliography

Pishro-Nick, H. “Probability Mass Function (PMF).” Probability Course. Retrieved 27 June 2019
from http://bit.ly/30Apjws

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