Probability Distribution

Counting Techniques, Probability, Normal Distribution,

Mathematical Expectations

What is Probability Distribution?

Aprobability distributionis a table or
an equation that links each outcome of
a
statistical
experiment
with
its
probability of occurrence. Consider the
coin flip experiment described above.
The table below, which associates each
outcome with its probability, is an
example of a probability distribution.

An example will make clear the relationship

between random variables and probability
distributions. Suppose you flip a coin two times.
This simple statistical experiment can have four
possible outcomes: HH, HT, TH, and TT. Now, let
the variable X represent the number of Heads
that result from this experiment. The variable X
can take on the values 0, 1, or 2. In this
example, X is a random variable; because its
value is determined by the outcome of a
statistical experiment.

Number of heads

Probability

0.25

0.50

0.25

Uniform Probability Distribution

The simplest probability distribution occurs

when all of the values of a random variable
occur with equal probability. This probability
distribution is called theuniform
distribution.
Uniform Distribution.Suppose the random
variable X can assume k different values.
Suppose also that the P(X = xk) is constant. Then,
P(X = xk) = 1/k

Example 1
Suppose a die is tossed. What is the probability
that the die will land on 6 ?
Solution:When a die is tossed, there are 6
possible outcomes represented by: S = { 1, 2, 3,
4, 5, 6 }. Each possible outcome is a random
variable (X), and each outcome is equally likely
to occur. Thus, we have a uniform distribution.
Therefore, the P(X = 6) = 1/6.

Example 2
Suppose we repeat the dice tossing experiment
described in Example 1. This time, we ask what is
the probability that the die will land on a number
that is smaller than 5 ?
Solution:When a die is tossed, there are 6 possible
outcomes represented by: S = { 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 }.
Each possible outcome is equally likely to occur.
Thus, we have a uniform distribution.
This problem involves a cumulative probability. The
probability that the die will land on a number
smaller than 5 is equal to:
P( X < 5 ) = P(X = 1) + P(X = 2) + P(X = 3) + P(X =
4) = 1/6 + 1/6 + 1/6 + 1/6 = 2/3

COUNTING TECHNIQUES
Permutation and
Combination

Fundamental Counting Principle

The
Fundamental
Counting
Principle(FCP)
If one thing can occur m ways and a
second thing can occur in n ways, and
a third thing can occur in p ways, and
so on, then the sequence of things can
occur in
m x n x p x ways

Example 1:
The Shirt mart sells shirts in sizes
S, M, L and XL.. Each size comes
in five colors: red, yellow, white,
orange, and blue. The shirts
come in short sleeve and long
sleeve. How many kinds of shirts
are there?

Permutation
FACTORIAL NOTATION
In General, if n is a positive integer, then
n factorial denoted by n! is the product of
all integers less than or equal to n.
n! = n.(n-1).(n-2). .2.1
As special case, we define
0! = 1

Definition:
A permutation is the ordered arrangement of
distinguishable objects without allowing
repetitions among the objects.
The number of permutations of n things taken
n at a time is given by
nPn = n(n-1)(n-2) (3)(2)(1) = n!
The permutation of n things taken r at a time
is given by
nPn = n(n-1)(n-2) (n-r+1)

Example 1:
In how many ways can a president and
vice-president be chosen from a club
with 12 members?
If there are 50 floats in Penagbenga
Festival, how many ways can a firstplace, a second-place, and a thirdplace trophy be awarded?

Example 2:
Find the number of different
arrangements of the set of six
letters HONEST
a. Taken two at a time
b.Taken three at a time
c. Taken six at a time.

Example 3:
Find the number of permutations in each
situation.
a. A softball coach chooses the first,
second, and third batters for a team of
10 players.
b. Three-digit numbers are formed from
the digits 2,3,4 and 5, with no digits
repeated.

Permutation of Identical Objects

There are instances when the n things to be
arranged are not all different. That is r1 of
them are alike, r2 of them are alike, rk of
them are alike where r1+r2+ rk =n. The
number of permutations of these things
therefore is

Practice Exercises:
1. In how many different ways can four
people be seated in a row?
2.In how many ways may the letters of the
word STATISTICS be arranged?
3. In how many ways may the letters of the
word ASSESSMENT be arranged?

Circular Permutation
If n different things are to have a
circular arrangement then the
number of Permutations is equal; to
(n-1)

Example 1:
In how many ways can 3 keys be arranged in a key ring?
Combination
The number of combinations of n things taken r at a time is given by
Example:
Mr. Elton has to choose three of the six officers of the MATH Club to
go to a regional meeting. How many possible choices does he
have?
How many Combinations of 5 records can be chosen from 12 records
offered by a record club?