Math Problem Statement

Calculate the expected values μX and μY based on the provided probability distributions for X and Y. Round to two decimal places.

Solution

To calculate μX\mu_X and μY\mu_Y, we need to find the expected values for XX and YY, which represent the average number of weeks for each step based on their probability distributions.

Step 1: Calculate μX\mu_X

The expected value μX\mu_X is calculated using: μX=XP(X)\mu_X = \sum X \cdot P(X) Using the values from the table:

  • For X=1X = 1: P(X=1)=0.3P(X=1) = 0.3
  • For X=2X = 2: P(X=2)=0.5P(X=2) = 0.5
  • For X=3X = 3: P(X=3)=0.2P(X=3) = 0.2

So, μX=(10.3)+(20.5)+(30.2)=0.3+1.0+0.6=1.9\mu_X = (1 \cdot 0.3) + (2 \cdot 0.5) + (3 \cdot 0.2) = 0.3 + 1.0 + 0.6 = 1.9

Thus, μX=1.9\mu_X = 1.9.

Step 2: Calculate μY\mu_Y

Similarly, the expected value μY\mu_Y is calculated as: μY=YP(Y)\mu_Y = \sum Y \cdot P(Y) Using the values from the table:

  • For Y=1Y = 1: P(Y=1)=0.1P(Y=1) = 0.1
  • For Y=2Y = 2: P(Y=2)=0.15P(Y=2) = 0.15
  • For Y=3Y = 3: P(Y=3)=0.4P(Y=3) = 0.4
  • For Y=4Y = 4: P(Y=4)=0.3P(Y=4) = 0.3
  • For Y=5Y = 5: P(Y=5)=0.05P(Y=5) = 0.05

So, μY=(10.1)+(20.15)+(30.4)+(40.3)+(50.05)=0.1+0.3+1.2+1.2+0.25=3.05\mu_Y = (1 \cdot 0.1) + (2 \cdot 0.15) + (3 \cdot 0.4) + (4 \cdot 0.3) + (5 \cdot 0.05) = 0.1 + 0.3 + 1.2 + 1.2 + 0.25 = 3.05

Thus, μY=3.05\mu_Y = 3.05.

Final Answers

  • μX=1.9\mu_X = 1.9
  • μY=3.05\mu_Y = 3.05

Would you like more details or have any questions on these calculations?


Here are some additional questions to consider:

  1. What is the variance for XX and YY in this scenario?
  2. How would the expected time change if one of the probabilities increased?
  3. What happens to μY\mu_Y if the probability for Y=3Y = 3 becomes 0.5?
  4. How can these expectations influence project planning?
  5. If we combine both steps, what is the total expected time for the process?

Tip: Expected value calculations are often the basis for project timelines and resource planning, as they provide a probable estimate for completion time.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Probability
Expected Value

Formulas

Expected value formula: μ = Σ(X * P(X))

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12