Math Problem Statement

Can the following table be a probability distribution? 1 0.0086 2 0.2971 3 0.1435 4 0.3417 5 0.2091

no yes

Solution

To determine if a table can represent a probability distribution, it must meet two key criteria:

  1. Each probability must be between 0 and 1, inclusive.
  2. The sum of the probabilities must equal 1.

Let's check both criteria:

  1. All probabilities in the table are between 0 and 1:

    • 0.0086,0.2971,0.1435,0.3417,0.20910.0086, 0.2971, 0.1435, 0.3417, 0.2091 are all within the range [0,1][0, 1].
  2. Sum of the probabilities: 0.0086+0.2971+0.1435+0.3417+0.2091=10.0086 + 0.2971 + 0.1435 + 0.3417 + 0.2091 = 1

Since the sum equals 1, yes, this can be a probability distribution.

Would you like further details or have any questions?

Here are 5 questions related to this:

  1. What are the properties of a probability distribution?
  2. Can a probability distribution have negative values?
  3. How do you interpret a probability of zero?
  4. What is the difference between a discrete and a continuous probability distribution?
  5. How do you verify if a set of probabilities is valid?

Tip: Always check that the sum of probabilities equals 1 when verifying a probability distribution!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Probability Distribution
Statistics

Formulas

Sum of probabilities: P(X = x1) + P(X = x2) + ... + P(X = xn) = 1

Theorems

Basic Properties of Probability Distributions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12