Math Problem Statement

Fill in the P(X=x) values to give a legitimate probability distribution for the discrete random variable X , whose possible values are -3,3,4,5, and 6.

Solution

To make the table represent a legitimate probability distribution, the sum of all the probabilities P(X=x)P(X = x) must equal 1. Let's denote the missing values as P(X=3)P(X = 3) and P(X=6)P(X = 6).

Given:

  • P(X=3)=0.29P(X = -3) = 0.29
  • P(X=4)=0.29P(X = 4) = 0.29
  • P(X=5)=0.30P(X = 5) = 0.30

Let the missing values be P(X=3)=p1P(X = 3) = p_1 and P(X=6)=p2P(X = 6) = p_2.

The total probability should sum to 1:

0.29+p1+0.29+0.30+p2=10.29 + p_1 + 0.29 + 0.30 + p_2 = 1

Simplifying, we get:

p1+p2+0.88=1p_1 + p_2 + 0.88 = 1

p1+p2=0.12p_1 + p_2 = 0.12

Now, the values of p1p_1 and p2p_2 must be non-negative and add up to 0.12. A simple solution could be:

p1=0.06andp2=0.06p_1 = 0.06 \quad \text{and} \quad p_2 = 0.06

So, the completed table is:

\hline \text{Value } x \text{ of } X & P(X = x) \\ \hline -3 & 0.29 \\ 3 & 0.06 \\ 4 & 0.29 \\ 5 & 0.30 \\ 6 & 0.06 \\ \hline \end{array}$$ Would you like more details on the calculations or have any other questions? --- Here are some related questions: 1. What is a probability distribution, and how is it different from a cumulative distribution? 2. Can you explain the properties of a valid probability distribution? 3. How do you determine the expected value of a discrete random variable? 4. What is the variance of a discrete random variable, and how is it calculated? 5. Can the probabilities in a distribution be negative? Why or why not? 6. How does one interpret the sum of probabilities in a probability distribution? 7. What are some common examples of discrete random variables? 8. How would you adjust the probabilities if the value of $$P(X = 5)$$ was instead 0.25? **Tip:** When working with probability distributions, always ensure that the sum of all probabilities equals 1. This is a fundamental property that must be satisfied.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Probability Theory
Discrete Random Variables
Probability Distributions

Formulas

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Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

High School