To solve this problem, let's break it down step by step.

Step 1: Understand the Random Variable $X$

The random variable $X$ is defined in terms of $N$, which is the number of tails in a particular outcome. The function defining $X$ is given by: $X = N^2 - 3N - 3$

Step 2: Determine $N$ for Each Outcome

List the possible outcomes when a fair coin is tossed 3 times. There are $2^3 = 8$ possible outcomes:

1. $hhh$ (0 tails)
2. $hht$ (1 tail)
3. $hth$ (1 tail)
4. $thh$ (1 tail)
5. $htt$ (2 tails)
6. $tht$ (2 tails)
7. $tth$ (2 tails)
8. $ttt$ (3 tails)

For each outcome, count the number of tails $N$ and calculate $X$ using the formula $X = N^2 - 3N - 3$.

Step 3: Calculate the Values of $X$

Now, calculate $X$ for each possible value of $N$:

• $N = 0$: $X = 0^2 - 3(0) - 3 = -3$
• $N = 1$: $X = 1^2 - 3(1) - 3 = 1 - 3 - 3 = -5$
• $N = 2$: $X = 2^2 - 3(2) - 3 = 4 - 6 - 3 = -5$
• $N = 3$: $X = 3^2 - 3(3) - 3 = 9 - 9 - 3 = -3$

Step 4: Assign $X$ Values to Each Outcome

Using the outcomes listed above, assign the calculated $X$ values:

• $hhh$ (0 tails): $X = -3$
• $hht$ (1 tail): $X = -5$
• $hth$ (1 tail): $X = -5$
• $thh$ (1 tail): $X = -5$
• $htt$ (2 tails): $X = -5$
• $tht$ (2 tails): $X = -5$
• $tth$ (2 tails): $X = -5$
• $ttt$ (3 tails): $X = -3$

Step 5: Calculate the Probability Distribution $P(X = x)$

Now, determine the probability of each value of $X$ occurring.

• $X = -3$ occurs in 2 outcomes: $hhh$ and $ttt$.
• $X = -5$ occurs in 6 outcomes: $hht$, $hth$, $thh$, $htt$, $tht$, and $tth$.

Since each outcome is equally likely with probability $\frac{1}{8}$:

$P(X = -3) = \frac{2}{8} = \frac{1}{4}$ $P(X = -5) = \frac{6}{8} = \frac{3}{4}$

Final Answer

The probability distribution of $X$ is as follows:

X & -5 & -3 \\ \hline P(X = x) & \frac{3}{4} & \frac{1}{4} \\ \end{array}$$ Would you like more detailed steps or explanations about this problem? Here are some related questions: 1. How do you compute the expected value of $$X$$ based on this probability distribution? 2. What is the variance of $$X$$ in this scenario? 3. How do you interpret the random variable $$X$$ in this context? 4. How does the binomial distribution relate to this problem? 5. How would the distribution change if the coin was biased? 6. Can you explain the concept of conditional probability using this example? 7. What is the significance of the function $$X = N^2 - 3N - 3$$? 8. How do these results change if the number of coin tosses is increased? **Tip**: When working with probability distributions, always ensure that the sum of the probabilities equals 1 as a check for your calculations.