Math Problem Statement

Find C, if P(X=n) = C^(2/3)^n, n=1,2,.......Solve this problem .

Solution

To solve for CC, we need to consider that the total probability must equal 1. This is because the probability distribution P(X=n)P(X=n) sums over all possible values of nn, and the sum of all probabilities must equal 1.

Given the probability mass function P(X=n)=C(23)nP(X=n) = C \left(\frac{2}{3}\right)^n, where n=1,2,3,n = 1, 2, 3, \ldots, we need to sum the series:

n=1P(X=n)=n=1C(23)n=1\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} P(X=n) = \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} C \left(\frac{2}{3}\right)^n = 1

This is a geometric series with the first term a=C(23)a = C \left(\frac{2}{3}\right) and the common ratio r=23r = \frac{2}{3}.

The sum of an infinite geometric series is given by:

n=1arn=a1r\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} ar^n = \frac{a}{1-r}

Substituting a=C(23)a = C \left(\frac{2}{3}\right) and r=23r = \frac{2}{3} into this formula:

n=1C(23)n=C(23)1123=C(23)113=C(23)×3=2C\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} C \left(\frac{2}{3}\right)^n = C \left(\frac{2}{3}\right) \frac{1}{1-\frac{2}{3}} = C \left(\frac{2}{3}\right) \frac{1}{\frac{1}{3}} = C \left(\frac{2}{3}\right) \times 3 = 2C

Since the sum must equal 1, we have:

2C=12C = 1

Solving for CC:

C=12C = \frac{1}{2}

Thus, the value of CC is 12\frac{1}{2}.

Would you like any further details or have any questions? Here are five related questions you might find interesting:

  1. What is the expected value E(X)E(X) for this probability distribution?
  2. How would the solution change if the probability function had a different form?
  3. What is the variance Var(X)\text{Var}(X) for this distribution?
  4. How does the sum of an infinite geometric series apply to probability theory in general?
  5. How can we verify if a function is a valid probability mass function?

Tip: In probability, the sum of all probabilities in a discrete distribution must always equal 1. This principle is key to solving for constants in probability mass functions.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Probability Theory
Geometric Series

Formulas

Sum of Infinite Geometric Series

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Advanced High School