Math Problem Statement

The mean of a Binomial Distribution is 20, and the standard deviation 4. Calculate n.

Solution

For a binomial distribution, the mean μ\mu and standard deviation σ\sigma are given by the formulas:

μ=np\mu = n \cdot p σ=np(1p)\sigma = \sqrt{n \cdot p \cdot (1 - p)}

Given:

  • Mean, μ=20\mu = 20
  • Standard deviation, σ=4\sigma = 4

Step 1: Solve for pp

From the mean formula, we have: 20=npp=20n20 = n \cdot p \Rightarrow p = \frac{20}{n}

Step 2: Substitute pp in the standard deviation formula

Since σ=4\sigma = 4, we can write: 4=n20n(120n)4 = \sqrt{n \cdot \frac{20}{n} \cdot \left(1 - \frac{20}{n}\right)}

Square both sides to eliminate the square root: 16=n20n(120n)16 = n \cdot \frac{20}{n} \cdot \left(1 - \frac{20}{n}\right)

Simplify: 16=20(120n)16 = 20 \cdot \left(1 - \frac{20}{n}\right)

Distribute 20: 16=20400n16 = 20 - \frac{400}{n}

Rearrange to solve for nn: 400n=4n=4004=100\frac{400}{n} = 4 \Rightarrow n = \frac{400}{4} = 100

Answer:

n=100n = 100

Would you like more details on this solution or have any questions?


  1. How do we interpret mean and standard deviation in binomial distribution?
  2. Can the same approach be used for different distributions?
  3. What happens if we know nn but not pp?
  4. How does changing nn affect the standard deviation in a binomial distribution?
  5. How do we verify if the values make sense in practical scenarios?

Tip: In binomial distribution, knowing any two of nn, pp, or the mean allows calculating the third.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Probability
Binomial Distribution
Mean and Standard Deviation

Formulas

Mean (μ) of binomial distribution: μ = n * p
Standard deviation (σ) of binomial distribution: σ = √(n * p * (1 - p))

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12