Math Problem Statement

Is the given table a valid probability distribution?

Solution

To determine whether the table represents a valid probability distribution, we must verify two conditions:

  1. All probabilities P(x)P(x) must be between 0 and 1 (inclusive):
    For each value in P(x)P(x), check that 0P(x)10 \leq P(x) \leq 1.

  2. The sum of all probabilities must equal 1:
    Calculate P(x)\sum P(x) and ensure it equals 1.

Step 1: Verify 0P(x)10 \leq P(x) \leq 1

From the table:

  • P(0)=0.2P(0) = 0.2, which is between 0 and 1.
  • P(1)=0.05P(1) = 0.05, which is between 0 and 1.
  • P(2)=0.15P(2) = 0.15, which is between 0 and 1.
  • P(3)=0.55P(3) = 0.55, which is between 0 and 1.

All values satisfy this condition.

Step 2: Check if P(x)=1\sum P(x) = 1

P(x)=0.2+0.05+0.15+0.55=0.95\sum P(x) = 0.2 + 0.05 + 0.15 + 0.55 = 0.95

The total is 0.95, which does not equal 1.

Conclusion:

Since the probabilities do not sum to 1, the table does not represent a valid probability distribution.

Answer: No, it is not a probability distribution.


Would you like further details about this or related concepts? Here are some questions to deepen your understanding:

  1. What happens if the sum of probabilities is greater than 1?
  2. How could we adjust this table to make it a valid probability distribution?
  3. Why is it important for probabilities to sum to exactly 1?
  4. Can you identify real-world examples of valid probability distributions?
  5. What is the role of normalization in probability distributions?

Tip: Always check both conditions (sum and range) to confirm a valid probability distribution!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Probability Theory
Probability Distribution

Formulas

\sum P(x) = 1
0 \leq P(x) \leq 1

Theorems

Valid Probability Distribution Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12