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Modern Mathematical Statistics with Applications

Devore, Jay L., Berk, Kenneth N.

Chapter 3

Discrete Random Variables and Probability Distributions - all with Video Answers

Educators


Section 1

Random Variables

01:56

Problem 1

A concrete beam may fail either by shear $(S)$ or flexure $(F)$. Suppose that three failed beams are randomly selected and the type of failure is determined for each one. Let $X=$ the number of beams among the three selected that failed by shear. List each outcome in the sample space along with the associated value of $X$.

A M
A M
Numerade Educator
00:35

Problem 2

Give three examples of Bernoulli ry's (other than those in the text).

Christopher Dzorkpata
Christopher Dzorkpata
Numerade Educator
01:13

Problem 3

Using the experiment in Example 3.3, define two more random variables and list the possible values of each.

A M
A M
Numerade Educator
01:20

Problem 4

Let $X=$ the number of nonzero digits in a randomly selected zip code. What are the possible values of $X$ ? Give three possible outcomes and their associated $X$ values.

Lynn Larson
Lynn Larson
Numerade Educator
01:50

Problem 5

If the sample space $\delta$ is an infinite set, does this necessarily imply that any rv $X$ defined from $s$ will have an infinite set of possible values? If yes, say why. If no, give an example.

A M
A M
Numerade Educator
00:46

Problem 6

Starting at a fixed time, each car entering an intersection is observed to see whether it turns left $(L)$, right $(R)$, or goes straight ahead $(A)$. The experiment terminates as soon as a car is observed to turn left. Let $X=$ the number of cars observed. What are possible $X$ values? List five outcomes and their associated $X$ values.

Amy Jiang
Amy Jiang
Numerade Educator
04:25

Problem 7

For each random variable defined here, describe the set of possible values for the variable, and state whether the variable is discrete.
a. $X=$ the number of unbroken eggs in a randomly chosen standard egg carton
b. $Y=$ the number of students on a class list for a particular course who are absent on the first day of classes
c. $U=$ the number of times a duffer has to swing at a golf ball before hitting it
d. $X=$ the length of a randomly selected rattlesnake
e. $Z=$ the amount of royalties earned from the sale of a first edition of 10,000 textbooks
f. $Y=$ the $\mathrm{pH}$ of a randomly chosen soil sample
g. $X=$ the tension (psi) at which a randomly selected tennis racket has been strung
h. $X=$ the total number of coin tosses required for three individuals to obtain a match (HHH or TTT)

A M
A M
Numerade Educator
01:13

Problem 8

Each time a component is tested, the trial is a success $(S)$ or failure $(F)$. Suppose the component is tested repeatedly until a success occurs on three consecutive trials. Let $Y$ denote the number of trials necessary to achieve this. List all outcomes corresponding to the five smallest possible values of $Y$, and state which $Y$ value is associated with each one.

Amy Jiang
Amy Jiang
Numerade Educator
01:08

Problem 9

An individual named Claudius is located at the point 0 in the accompanying diagram.

Using an appropriate randomization device (such as a tetrahedral die, one having four sides), Claudius first moves to one of the four locations $B_{1}, B_{2}, B_{3}, B_{4}$. Once at one of these locations, he uses another randomization device to decide whether he next returns to 0 or next visits one of the other two adjacent points. This process then continues; after each move, another move to one of the (new) adjacent points is determined by tossing an appropriate die or coin.
a. Let $X=$ the number of moves that Claudius makes before first returning to 0 . What are possible values of $X$ ? Is $X$ discrete or continuous?
b. If moves are allowed also along the diagonal paths connecting 0 to $A_{1}, A_{2}, A_{3}$, and $A_{4}$, respectively, answer the questions in part (a).

A M
A M
Numerade Educator
00:51

Problem 10

The number of pumps in use at both a six-pump station and a four-pump station will be determined. Give the possible values for each of the following random variables:
a. $T=$ the total number of pumps in use
b. $X=$ the difference between the numbers in use at stations 1 and 2
c. $U=$ the maximum number of pumps in use at either station
d. $Z=$ the number of stations having exactly two pumps in use

Amy Jiang
Amy Jiang
Numerade Educator