Chapter 5 Probability Distributions (Discrete Variables)
Chapter 5 Probability Distributions (Discrete Variables)
Chapter 5 Probability Distributions (Discrete Variables)
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MTH 160<br />
Statistics I<br />
Brigitte Martineau <strong>Chapter</strong> 5<br />
What is a random variable?<br />
5.1 Random <strong>Variables</strong><br />
Notes:<br />
<br />
<br />
Examples of Random <strong>Variables</strong><br />
<br />
Let the number of computers sold per day by a local merchant be a random variable.<br />
Integer values ranging from zero to about 50 are possible values.<br />
<br />
Let the time it takes an employee to get to work be a random variable. Possible values<br />
are 15 minutes to over 2 hours.<br />
<br />
Let the volume of water used by a household during a month be a random variable.<br />
Amounts range up to several thousand gallons.<br />
<br />
Let the number of defective components in a shipment of 1000 be a random variable.<br />
Values range from 0 to 1000.<br />
<strong>Discrete</strong> versus Continuous Random <strong>Variables</strong><br />
<strong>Discrete</strong> Random <strong>Variables</strong>:<br />
A quantitative random variable that can assume a __________________ number of values.<br />
Also known as a ___________________<br />
Continuous Random <strong>Variables</strong>:<br />
A quantitative random variable that can assume an _______________________ number of<br />
values.<br />
Also known as a ____________________<br />
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