Math Problem Statement

assume you have 5 outcomes and that you know the following about them w2=.1 w3=.1 w4=.25 and w1=w5 what is the value of w1

Solution

We are given five outcomes w1,w2,w3,w4,w5w_1, w_2, w_3, w_4, w_5, where:

  • w2=0.1w_2 = 0.1
  • w3=0.1w_3 = 0.1
  • w4=0.25w_4 = 0.25
  • w1=w5w_1 = w_5

Since the total probability must sum to 1, we can write:

w1+w2+w3+w4+w5=1w_1 + w_2 + w_3 + w_4 + w_5 = 1

Substitute the known values and the fact that w1=w5w_1 = w_5:

w1+0.1+0.1+0.25+w1=1w_1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.25 + w_1 = 1

Simplifying this equation:

2w1+0.45=12w_1 + 0.45 = 1

Subtract 0.45 from both sides:

2w1=0.552w_1 = 0.55

Now divide by 2:

w1=0.275w_1 = 0.275

Therefore, w1=w5=0.275w_1 = w_5 = 0.275.

Would you like further clarification on this?

Here are 5 related questions you might find interesting:

  1. What if the total probability did not sum to 1?
  2. How do we interpret the sum of probabilities in other statistical distributions?
  3. Can you extend this reasoning to scenarios with more than five outcomes?
  4. What if w1w_1 and w5w_5 were not equal? How would this change the outcome?
  5. How can we apply this concept to continuous probability distributions?

Tip: Always ensure that the sum of probabilities in any discrete distribution adds up to 1!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Probability Distribution
Algebra

Formulas

Sum of probabilities: w1 + w2 + w3 + w4 + w5 = 1

Theorems

The total probability theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10