Math Problem Statement

Let X be a discrete random variable with pmf given by f(x) = (1/20)(1 + x) for x = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Determine the cdf of X, hence compute P(X > 3).

Solution

The problem presents a discrete random variable XX with a given probability mass function (pmf) f(x)f(x). It asks for the cumulative distribution function (CDF) and to compute P(X>3)P(X > 3).

Step 1: PMF f(x)f(x)

The pmf is provided as: f(x)=120(1+x)forx=1,2,3,4,5f(x) = \frac{1}{20}(1+x) \quad \text{for} \quad x = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 f(x)=0elsewhere.f(x) = 0 \quad \text{elsewhere}.

We can calculate the individual probabilities:

  • For x=1x = 1, f(1)=120(1+1)=220=0.1f(1) = \frac{1}{20}(1+1) = \frac{2}{20} = 0.1.
  • For x=2x = 2, f(2)=120(1+2)=320=0.15f(2) = \frac{1}{20}(1+2) = \frac{3}{20} = 0.15.
  • For x=3x = 3, f(3)=120(1+3)=420=0.2f(3) = \frac{1}{20}(1+3) = \frac{4}{20} = 0.2.
  • For x=4x = 4, f(4)=120(1+4)=520=0.25f(4) = \frac{1}{20}(1+4) = \frac{5}{20} = 0.25.
  • For x=5x = 5, f(5)=120(1+5)=620=0.3f(5) = \frac{1}{20}(1+5) = \frac{6}{20} = 0.3.

Step 2: CDF of XX

The cumulative distribution function F(x)=P(Xx)F(x) = P(X \leq x) is computed by summing the probabilities up to xx.

  • F(1)=f(1)=0.1F(1) = f(1) = 0.1
  • F(2)=f(1)+f(2)=0.1+0.15=0.25F(2) = f(1) + f(2) = 0.1 + 0.15 = 0.25
  • F(3)=f(1)+f(2)+f(3)=0.1+0.15+0.2=0.55F(3) = f(1) + f(2) + f(3) = 0.1 + 0.15 + 0.2 = 0.55
  • F(4)=f(1)+f(2)+f(3)+f(4)=0.1+0.15+0.2+0.25=0.8F(4) = f(1) + f(2) + f(3) + f(4) = 0.1 + 0.15 + 0.2 + 0.25 = 0.8
  • F(5)=f(1)+f(2)+f(3)+f(4)+f(5)=0.1+0.15+0.2+0.25+0.3=1.0F(5) = f(1) + f(2) + f(3) + f(4) + f(5) = 0.1 + 0.15 + 0.2 + 0.25 + 0.3 = 1.0

Thus, the CDF is:

\begin{cases} 0 & \text{for } x < 1 \\ 0.1 & \text{for } x = 1 \\ 0.25 & \text{for } x = 2 \\ 0.55 & \text{for } x = 3 \\ 0.8 & \text{for } x = 4 \\ 1 & \text{for } x \geq 5 \end{cases}$$ ### Step 3: Compute $$P(X > 3)$$ To find $$P(X > 3)$$, we use the complement rule: $$P(X > 3) = 1 - P(X \leq 3) = 1 - F(3) = 1 - 0.55 = 0.45$$ Thus, $$P(X > 3) = 0.45$$. Would you like a detailed explanation of any part? Here are some related questions you might find helpful: 1. How is the cumulative distribution function used in probability? 2. What is the importance of the pmf in discrete random variables? 3. Can the CDF be used to find $$P(X \geq x)$$? 4. How can we derive the pmf from real-world examples? 5. How does the complement rule work in probability theory? **Tip:** The complement rule is a quick way to compute probabilities for "greater than" or "less than" events when given CDFs or summed probabilities.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Probability
Discrete Random Variables
Cumulative Distribution Function (CDF)
Probability Mass Function (PMF)

Formulas

f(x) = (1/20)(1+x) for x = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
CDF F(x) = P(X ≤ x)
P(X > x) = 1 - P(X ≤ x)

Theorems

Complement Rule

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12