Math Problem Statement

Calculate the expected value for the following probability distribution: x p (x) 1 .15 2 .35 3 .40 4 .10

Solution

To calculate the expected value E(X)E(X) of a probability distribution, you use the following formula:

E(X)=[xp(x)]E(X) = \sum [x \cdot p(x)]

In this case, we have the following values for xx and p(x)p(x):

E(X)=(10.15)+(20.35)+(30.40)+(40.10)E(X) = (1 \cdot 0.15) + (2 \cdot 0.35) + (3 \cdot 0.40) + (4 \cdot 0.10)

Now, let's compute each term:

E(X)=(10.15)+(20.35)+(30.40)+(40.10)E(X) = (1 \cdot 0.15) + (2 \cdot 0.35) + (3 \cdot 0.40) + (4 \cdot 0.10) E(X)=0.15+0.70+1.20+0.40E(X) = 0.15 + 0.70 + 1.20 + 0.40 E(X)=2.45E(X) = 2.45

Thus, the expected value E(X)E(X) is 2.452.45.

Would you like to see more details or clarifications on this?

Here are 5 related questions:

  1. How is variance calculated for a probability distribution?
  2. Can expected value be a value that is not in the original data set?
  3. What is the meaning of expected value in a real-world context?
  4. How does the expected value change if the probabilities are adjusted?
  5. What is the role of expected value in decision theory?

Tip: The expected value is essentially a weighted average, with the probabilities acting as weights for the different outcomes.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Probability
Expected Value
Weighted Average

Formulas

E(X) = Σ [x * p(x)]

Theorems

Law of Large Numbers (related to Expected Value)

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12