Math Problem Statement

Friendly Travel Agency provided the following table of information. The table gives the number of customers per day who use a credit card and the probabilities of each. Fill in the missing probability.

Solution

To fill in the missing probability, we can use the fact that the sum of all probabilities in a probability distribution must equal 1.

From the table, the given probabilities are:

  • P(1)=0.24P(1) = 0.24
  • P(2)=0.30P(2) = 0.30
  • P(3)=0.07P(3) = 0.07
  • P(4)=0.18P(4) = 0.18

Let P(0)P(0) represent the missing probability. The sum of all probabilities must equal 1:

P(0)+P(1)+P(2)+P(3)+P(4)=1P(0) + P(1) + P(2) + P(3) + P(4) = 1

Substitute the known values:

P(0)+0.24+0.30+0.07+0.18=1P(0) + 0.24 + 0.30 + 0.07 + 0.18 = 1

Simplify:

P(0)+0.79=1P(0) + 0.79 = 1

Now solve for P(0)P(0):

P(0)=10.79=0.21P(0) = 1 - 0.79 = 0.21

So, the missing probability P(0)=0.21P(0) = 0.21.

Would you like further details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions to expand your understanding:

  1. What are the properties of a probability distribution?
  2. How can you verify if a given set of probabilities forms a valid probability distribution?
  3. Can probabilities ever be negative or greater than 1?
  4. How do you interpret the probability of 0.24 for P(1)P(1) in this context?
  5. How would you find the expected number of people placed on hold using this probability distribution?

Tip: Always check that the sum of probabilities equals 1 when dealing with probability distributions!

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Probability Distribution
Algebra

Formulas

Sum of probabilities: P(0) + P(1) + P(2) + P(3) + P(4) = 1

Theorems

The sum of probabilities in a discrete probability distribution must equal 1.

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 7-10