x

0
1
2
3
4
5
Total

# days x cars sold

54
117
72
42
12
3

f(x)
DiCarlo Motors in Saratoga New York has tracked the sale of their
automobiles over the past 300 days. They wish to use this data to
estimate their expected sales on any given day.

a. use the relative frequency approach to construct a probability

distribution for the number of cars sold in a given day
b. draw a graph of the probability distribution.
c. show that your probability distribution satisfies the required conditions
for a valid discrete probability distribution

e sale of their
se this data to

probability

required conditions

x
0
1
2
3
4
5
Total

# days x cars sold

54
117
72
42
12
3
300

f(x)
0.18
0.39
0.24
0.14
0.04
0.01
1

f(x)
0.45
0.4
0.35
0.3
0.25
0.2
0.15
0.1
0.05
0

0.39

0.24
0.18
0.14
0.04
0

DiCarlo Motors in Saratoga New York has tracked the sale of their
automobiles over the past 300 days. They wish to use this data to
estimate their expected sales on any given day.

a. use the relative frequency approach to construct a probability

distribution for the number of cars sold in a given day
b. draw a graph of the probability distribution.
c. show that your probability distribution satisfies the required conditions
for a valid discrete probability distribution

f(x)

0.04

0.01
5

x
20
25
30
35
Total

f(x)
0.2
0.15
0.25
0.4
1

1. Is this distribution valid?

2. What is the probability that x = 30?
3. What is the probability that x is less than or equal to 25?
4. What is the probability that x is greater than 30?

x
20
25
30
35
Total

f(x)
0.2
0.15
0.25
0.4
1

Cumulative Distribution
0.2
0.35
0.6
1

1. Is this distribution valid?

2. What is the probability that x = 30?
3. What is the probability that x is less than or equal to 25?
4. What is the probability that x is greater than 30?

Solutions:
Yes, because the probabilities are greater th
0.25
0.35
0.4

use the probabilities are greater than or equal to 0 and 1 individually, and also sum to one overall

Age Number of Children

6
37,369
7
87,436
8
160,840
9
239,719
10
286,719
11
306,533
12
310,787
13
302,604
14
289,168
Total

f(x)

x * f(x)

(x - E(x))^2 * f(x)

Nationally, 38% of fourth graders cannot read an a

data show the number of children, by age identified
education. Most of these children have reading pro
corrected before third grade. Current federal law p
extra help from special education programs until th
years' worth of learning, and that typically means th
September 6, 2001).

Suppose that we wanted to select a sample of child

under special education for a special program desi
be a random variable indicating the age of one rand

a. Use the data to develop a probability distribution

corresponding values for the probability function f(x
b. Draw a graph of the probability distribution. x.
c. Show that the probability distribution satisfied the
variable.
d. Calculate the expected value and variance of x.

fourth graders cannot read an age-appropriate book. The following

ber of children, by age identified as learning disabled under special
these children have reading problems that should be identified and
ird grade. Current federal law prohibits most children from receiving
ecial education programs until they fall behind by approximately two
ning, and that typically means third grade or later (USA Today,

anted to select a sample of children identified as learning disabled

ation for a special program designed to improve reading ability. Let x
ble indicating the age of one randomly selected child.

develop a probability distribution for x. Specify the values for x and the
es for the probability function f(x)
the probability distribution. x.
obability distribution satisfied the requirements of a discrete random

pected value and variance of x.

Age Number of Children

6
37,369
7
87,436
8
160,840
9
239,719
10
286,719
11
306,533
12
310,787
13
302,604
14
289,168
Total
2,021,175

f(x)
0.018
0.043
0.080
0.119
0.142
0.152
0.154
0.150
0.143
1.000

x * f(x)
(x - E(x))^2 * f(x)
0.110933
0.462057136
0.30282
0.691857233
0.63662
0.715779902
1.067434
0.474000466
1.418576
0.141609655
1.668269
1.15915E-07
1.845186
0.154034482
1.946319
0.599391161
2.00297
1.288373862
10.99913
4.527104014

Nationally, 38% of fourth graders cannot rea

data show the number of children, by age id
education. Most of these children have read
corrected before third grade. Current federa
extra help from special education programs
years' worth of learning, and that typically m
September 6, 2001).

Suppose that we wanted to select a sample

under special education for a special progra
be a random variable indicating the age of o

a. Use the data to develop a probability distr

corresponding values for the probability func
b. Draw a graph of the probability distribution
c. Show that the probability distribution satis
variable.
d. Calculate the expected value and varianc

10.99913

f(x)
0.180
0.152

0.160

0.154

0.142

0.150

0.143

0.140
0.119
0.120
0.100
0.080

f(x)

0.080
0.060

0.043

0.040
0.020

0.018

0.000
6

10

11

12

13

14

8% of fourth graders cannot read an age-appropriate book. The following

he number of children, by age identified as learning disabled under special
Most of these children have reading problems that should be identified and
efore third grade. Current federal law prohibits most children from receiving
om special education programs until they fall behind by approximately two
of learning, and that typically means third grade or later (USA Today,

at we wanted to select a sample of children identified as learning disabled

al education for a special program designed to improve reading ability. Let x
m variable indicating the age of one randomly selected child.

ata to develop a probability distribution for x. Specify the values for x and the
ng values for the probability function f(x)
aph of the probability distribution. x.
the probability distribution satisfied the requirements of a discrete random
the expected value and variance of x.

# trials (n)
# successes in n trial =
P(success) =
P(x)
possible outcomes
x
0
1
2
3
Total
Expected Value of x
Variance of x

3
2
0.3
0.189
pdf
f(x)

cdf
F(x)

(x-E(x))^2

Martin Clothing Store Problem:

Let us consider the purchase decisions of the next three
customers who enter the store. On the basis of past
experience, the store manager estimates the probability
that any one customer will make a purchase is .30.
a. What is the probability that exactly two of the next three
customers will make a purchase?
b. Construct a bar graph of the pdf and cdf for this
problem.
c. What is the probability that at least two customers
make a purchase?
d. How many purchases should the store managers
expect to make over the next three customers?
e. What is the variance of the customers purchasing
behavior?

# trials (n)
# successes in n trial =
P(success) =
P(x)
possible outcomes
x
0
1
2
3
Total
Expected Value of x
Variance of x

3
2
0.3
0.189
pdf
f(x)
0.343
0.441
0.189
0.027
1

cdf
F(x)
0.343
0.784
0.973
1

0.9
0.63

(x-E(x))^2
0.81
0.01
1.21
4.41

X*f(X)
0
0.441
0.378
0.081

0.9
0.63
f(x)

0.5
0.45
0.4
0.35
0.3
0.25
0.2
0.15
0.1
0.05
0

0.441
0.343
f(x
)

0.189

0.027

1.2
1

0.8
0.6
0.4

0.343

0.2
0
0

Martin Clothing Store Problem:

Let us consider the purchase decisions of the next three
customers who enter the store. On the basis of past
experience, the store manager estimates the probability
that any one customer will make a purchase is .30.
a. What is the probability that exactly two of the next three
customers will make a purchase?
b. Construct a bar graph of the pdf and cdf for this
problem.
c. What is the probability that at least two customers
make a purchase?
d. How many purchases should the store managers
expect to make over the next three customers?
e. What is the variance of the customers purchasing
behavior?

F(x)

0.973

0.784
F(
x)

0.343

a)
b)
c)

P(X=2)
P(X>=2)
P(X=0)

The 1999 Youth and Money Survey, sponsored by the American Savings and Education
the Employee Benefit and Research Institute, and Matthew Greenwald & Associates, tal
1000 students ages 16-22 about personal finance. The survey found that 33% of the stu
have their own credit card.

a. In a sample of 6 students, what is the probability that two will have their own credit ca

b. In a sample of 6 students, what is the probability that at least two will have their own c
card?
c. In a sample of 10 students, what is the probability that none will have their own credit

he American Savings and Education Council,

Matthew Greenwald & Associates, talked to
The survey found that 33% of the students

that two will have their own credit card?

that at least two will have their own credit

that none will have their own credit card.

a)
b)
c)

P(X=2)
P(X>=2)
P(X=0)

0.329169
0.642217
0.018228

The 1999 Youth and Money Survey, sponsored by the American Savings an
the Employee Benefit and Research Institute, and Matthew Greenwald & As
1000 students ages 16-22 about personal finance. The survey found that 33
have their own credit card.

a. In a sample of 6 students, what is the probability that two will have their ow

b. In a sample of 6 students, what is the probability that at least two will have
card?

c. In a sample of 10 students, what is the probability that none will have their

onsored by the American Savings and Education Council,

titute, and Matthew Greenwald & Associates, talked to
al finance. The survey found that 33% of the students

probability that two will have their own credit card?

probability that at least two will have their own credit

e probability that none will have their own credit card.

mean =
x
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25

10
f(x)

F(x)
using pdf
A
B
C
D

using cdf

Suppose that we are interested in the num

a bank during a 15 minute period on the w
the average arrival rate is 10 cars per 15 m

A. What is the probability that exactly 4 ca

B. What is the probability that more than 1

interval?

C. What is the probability that at least 7 ca

15 minute interval?

D. What is the probability that more than t

interval?

that we are interested in the number of arrivals at the drive-up teller window of
uring a 15 minute period on the weekday mornings. Historical data shows that
age arrival rate is 10 cars per 15 minute intervals.

s the probability that exactly 4 cars will arrive in the next 15 minute interval?

s the probability that more than 12 cars will arrive in the next 15 minute

is the probability that at least 7 cars but less than 15 cars will arrive in the next

is the probability that more than two cars will arrive in the next 15 minute

mean =
x
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25

10
f(x)
4.5E-05
0.00045
0.00227
0.00757
0.01892
0.03783
0.06306
0.09008
0.1126
0.12511
0.12511
0.11374
0.09478
0.07291
0.05208
0.03472
0.0217
0.01276
0.00709
0.00373
0.00187
0.00089
0.0004
0.00018
7.3E-05
2.9E-05

F(x)
4.53999E-05
0.000499399
0.002769396
0.010336051
0.029252688
0.067085963
0.130141421
0.220220647
0.332819679
0.457929714
0.58303975
0.696776146
0.791556476
0.864464423
0.916541527
0.951259597
0.97295839
0.985722386
0.992813495
0.996545658
0.998411739
0.999300349
0.999704263
0.999879878
0.999953051
0.99998232

A
B
C
D

using pdf
0.0189166
0.2084258
0.7864001
0.9972129
Alternative
0.0189166
0.2084435
0.7864001
0.9972306

using cdf
0.0189166
0.2084435
0.7864001
0.9972306

Suppose that we are interested in the

a bank during a 15 minute period on th
the average arrival rate is 10 cars per

A. What is the probability that exactly 4

B. What is the probability that more tha

interval?
C. What is the probability that at least
15 minute interval?

D. What is the probability that more tha

interval?

that we are interested in the number of arrivals at the drive-up teller window of
uring a 15 minute period on the weekday mornings. Historical data shows that
age arrival rate is 10 cars per 15 minute intervals.

s the probability that exactly 4 cars will arrive in the next 15 minute interval?

s the probability that more than 12 cars will arrive in the next 15 minute

is the probability that at least 7 cars but less than 15 cars will arrive in the next

is the probability that more than two cars will arrive in the next 15 minute

mean
x

6
f(x)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

Total

A.
B.

Suppose that we learn that major defects on a stretch

after resurfacing, occur at the average rate of two per
A. What is the probability that no major defects in a 3
exists?

B. What is the probability that at least one major defec

section?

learn that major defects on a stretch of highway, one month

occur at the average rate of two per mile.

obability that no major defects in a 3 mile stretch of highway

obability that at least one major defect exists in the three mile

mean
x
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Total

6
f(x)
0.002479
0.014873
0.044618
0.089235
0.133853
0.160623
0.160623
0.137677
0.103258
0.068838
0.041303
0.022529
0.011264
0.005199
0.002228
0.000891
0.000334
0.000118
3.93E-05
1.24E-05
3.73E-06
0.999999

A.
B.

0.002479
0.99752

Suppose that we learn that major defects on a stretch

after resurfacing, occur at the average rate of two per
A. What is the probability that no major defects in a 3
exists?

B. What is the probability that at least one major defec

section?

learn that major defects on a stretch of highway, one month

occur at the average rate of two per mile.

obability that no major defects in a 3 mile stretch of highway

obability that at least one major defect exists in the three mile

1 minute
mean
x

7
f(x)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

Sum

30 second
3.5
f(x)
a.
b.
c.
d.

More that 50 million guests stayed at bed

site for B&Bs Inns North America, which
minute enables many B&Bs to attract gue
in guide books (Time, September 2001).

a. Compute the probability of no web site

b. Compute the probability of two or more

c. Compute the probability of one or more

d. Compute the probability of five or more

e that 50 million guests stayed at bed and breakfasts (B&Bs) last year. The web
or B&Bs Inns North America, which averages approximately seven visitors per
ute enables many B&Bs to attract guests without waiting years to be mentioned
uide books (Time, September 2001).

ompute the probability of no web site visitors in a 1 minute period.

ompute the probability of two or more web site visitors in a 1 minute period.

ompute the probability of one or more web site visitors in a 30 second period.

ompute the probability of five or more web site visitors in a 1 minute period.

1 minute
mean
x

7
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

Sum

f(x)
0.000912
0.006383
0.022341
0.052129
0.091226
0.127717
0.149003
0.149003
0.130377
0.101405
0.070983
0.045171
0.02635
0.014188
0.007094
0.003311
0.001448
0.000596
0.000232
8.54E-05
2.99E-05
0.999986

30 second
3.5
f(x)
0.030197
0.105691
0.184959
0.215785
0.188812
0.132169
0.077098
0.038549
0.016865
0.006559
0.002296
0.00073
0.000213
5.74E-05
1.43E-05
3.35E-06
7.32E-07
1.51E-07
2.93E-08
5.4E-09
9.45E-10
1

a.
b.
c.
d.

0.000912
0.99269
0.969803
0.827008

More that 50 million guests stayed at bed

site for B&Bs Inns North America, which
minute enables many B&Bs to attract gue
in guide books (Time, September 2001).

a. Compute the probability of no web site

b. Compute the probability of two or more

c. Compute the probability of one or more

d. Compute the probability of five or more

e that 50 million guests stayed at bed and breakfasts (B&Bs) last year. The web
or B&Bs Inns North America, which averages approximately seven visitors per
ute enables many B&Bs to attract guests without waiting years to be mentioned
uide books (Time, September 2001).

ompute the probability of no web site visitors in a 1 minute period.

ompute the probability of two or more web site visitors in a 1 minute period.

ompute the probability of one or more web site visitors in a 30 second period.

ompute the probability of five or more web site visitors in a 1 minute period.

N
n
r
x
Answer:

a.
5
2
3
2

b.
5
3
3
2

a. Suppose that we wish to select a committee of two people ta

population of 5 people. The five member population consists o
2 men. If we randomly select two people, what is the probabilit
people are both women?

b. Suppose that three members are to be selected, what is the

two are women and one is a man?

o select a committee of two people taken from a

he five member population consists of 3 women and
ect two people, what is the probability that the two

mbers are to be selected, what is the probability that

N
n
r
x
Answer:

a.
5
2
3
2

b.
5
3
3
2
0.3

a. Suppose that we wish to select a committee of two people ta

of 5 people. The five member population consists of 3 women
randomly select two people, what is the probability that the two
women?
0.6

b. Suppose that three members are to be selected, what is the

are women and one is a man?

Note on part B.
Obtaining 2 woman and one man, in a sample of 3 people is equivalent with
obtaining:
Only two women in a sample of 3 people (thus, the third person will be a man)
or
Only one man in a sample of 3 people (thus, the other two people will be
women).

Sex
M
M
M
M
F
F
F
F

Person A
Prob
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6

Sex
M
M
F
F
M
F
M
F

Person B
Prob
0.25
0.25
0.75
0.75
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5

o select a committee of two people taken from a population

mber population consists of 3 women and 2 men. If we
e, what is the probability that the two people are both

mbers are to be selected, what is the probability that two

e is equivalent with
N
n
r
x

person will be a man)

o people will be

Answer:

Sex
M
F
M
F
M
M
F
F

Person C
Prob
0
1
0.333333
0.666667
0.333333
0.666667
0.666667
0.333333

P(A)*P(B)*P(C )
0
0.1
0.1
0.2
0.1
0.2
0.2
0.1

5
3
2
1
0.6

Suc/Fail
Fail
Fail
Fail
Success
Fail
Success
Success
Fail

Sum of Successes:

0.6

N
n
r
x
Answer:

10
3
4
2

Suppose that a population consists of 10 items, four of which are classified

defective and six which are classified as non-defective. What is the probab
that a random selection of three will provide two defective items.

10 items, four of which are classified

defective. What is the probability
rovide two defective items.

N
n
r
x
Answer:

10
3
4
2

Suppose that a population consists of 10 items, four of which are classified

defective and six which are classified as non-defective. What is the probab
that a random selection of three will provide two defective items.

0.3

10 items, four of which are classified

defective. What is the probability
rovide two defective items.

N
n
r
x

a.
52
2
20
2

b.
52
2
4
2

c.
52
2
16
2
d

Answer:

Blackjack, or twenty-one as it frequently is called, is a popular gambling game played in

Las Vegas casinos. A player is dealt two cards. Face cards (jacks, queens, kings) and
tens have a point value of 10. Aces have a point value of 1 or 11. A 52 card deck has 16
cards with a point value of 10 (jacks, queens, kings, tens) and four aces.
a. What is the probability that both cards dealt (on the first hand) are aces or ten point
cards?
b. What is the probability that both cards are aces?
c. What is the probability that both cards are ten point cards?
d. What is the probability of getting 21 on the first hand?

bling game played in

, queens, kings) and
A 52 card deck has 16

re aces or ten point

N
n
r
x
Answer:

a.
52
2
20
2

b.
52
2
4
2

c.
52
2
16
2

d
0.143288 0.004525 0.090498 0.048265

Blackjack, or twenty-one as it frequently is called, is a popular gambling game played in

Las Vegas casinos. A player is dealt two cards. Face cards (jacks, queens, kings) and
tens have a point value of 10. Aces have a point value of 1 or 11. A 52 card deck has 16
cards with a point value of 10 (jacks, queens, kings, tens) and four aces.
a. What is the probability that both cards dealt (on the first hand) are aces or ten point
cards?
b. What is the probability that both cards are aces?

B = P(exact

c. What is the probability that both cards are ten point cards?

A intersect B

d. What is the probability of getting 21 on the first hand?

N
n
r
x
P(success)
Vice versa
N
n
r
x
P(success)

ame played in
ns, kings) and
ard deck has 16

s or ten point
A = P(exactly one ace on the first draw of two sequential draws )
B = P(exactly one card worth 10 points on the second draw of two sequential draws)
A intersect B = P(getting 21)

N
n
r
x

A
52
1
4
1

B
51
1
16
1

P(success) 0.076923 0.313725 0.024133

Vice versa
N
n
r
x

A
52
1
16
1

B
51
1
4
1

P(success) 0.307692 0.078431 0.024133

N
n
r
x

10
3
2
1

10
4
2
1

10
5
2
1

10
6
2
1

10
7
2
1

a. if a sample of 3 items is selected, what is

rejected?

P(1 defect)
N
n
r
x

10
3
2
2

10
4
2
2

10
5
2
2

a.

b.

c.

P(2 defects)
P(1 or 2 defects)
Answers:

A shipment of 10 items has two defective an

inspection of the shipment, a sample of item
defective item is found, the shipment of 10 it

a
b
c
d

10
6
2
2

10
7
2
2

b. if a sample of 4 items is selected, what is

rejected?
c. if a sample of 5 items is selected, what is
rejected?

d. If management would like a .9 probability

items out of 10 total items, what sample size

10 items has two defective and eight non-defective items. In the

he shipment, a sample of items will be selected and tested. If a
s found, the shipment of 10 items will be rejected.

of 3 items is selected, what is the probability that the shipment will be

of 4 items is selected, what is the probability that the shipment will be

of 5 items is selected, what is the probability that the shipment will be

ent would like a .9 probability of rejecting a shipment with two defective

total items, what sample size would you recommend?

N
n
r
x
P(1 defect)
N
n
r
x

10
3
2
1

10
4
2
1

10
5
2
1

10
6
2
1

10
7
2
1

10
8
2
1

0.466667 0.533333 0.555556 0.533333 0.466667 0.355556

10
3
2
2

10
4
2
2

P(2 defects)

10
5
2
2

10
6
2
2

10
7
2
2

10
8
2
2

0.066667 0.133333 0.222222 0.333333 0.466667 0.622222

a.
b.
c.
P(1 or 2 defects) 0.533333 0.666667 0.777778 0.866667 0.933333 0.977778
Answers:

a
b
c
d

0.533333
0.666667
0.777778
7

10
9
2
1

10
10
2
1

0.2

10
9
2
2

10
10
2
2

0.8

A shipment of 10 items has two defective and eight non-defective items. In the
inspection of the shipment, a sample of items will be selected and tested. If a
defective item is found, the shipment of 10 items will be rejected.
a. if a sample of 3 items is selected, what is the probability that the shipment will be
rejected?
b. if a sample of 4 items is selected, what is the probability that the shipment will be
rejected?
c. if a sample of 5 items is selected, what is the probability that the shipment will be
rejected?
d. If management would like a .9 probability of rejecting a shipment with two defective
items out of 10 total items, what sample size would you recommend?