Math Problem Statement

For families with 5 children, let X be the number of children with Genetic Condition B. Can the following table be a probability distribution for the random variable X?

xP(x)

1

0.2639

2

0.2605

3

0.1585

4

0.0985

5

0.2186

yes

no

Solution

To determine whether the given table can represent a probability distribution for the random variable XX, the following two conditions must be satisfied:

  1. All probabilities must be non-negative: Each value of P(x)P(x) must satisfy 0P(x)10 \leq P(x) \leq 1.
  2. The sum of the probabilities must equal 1: That is, P(x)=1\sum P(x) = 1.

Let's check these conditions.

1. Non-negativity check:

  • P(1)=0.2639P(1) = 0.2639
  • P(2)=0.2605P(2) = 0.2605
  • P(3)=0.1585P(3) = 0.1585
  • P(4)=0.0985P(4) = 0.0985
  • P(5)=0.2186P(5) = 0.2186

Since all of these values are between 0 and 1, the first condition is satisfied.

2. Sum of probabilities:

Let's add the given probabilities to check if they sum to 1: 0.2639+0.2605+0.1585+0.0985+0.2186=0.9999990.2639 + 0.2605 + 0.1585 + 0.0985 + 0.2186 = 0.999999

The sum is approximately 1, so the second condition is satisfied as well.

Conclusion:

Yes, the table can represent a probability distribution for the random variable XX.

Would you like more details on probability distributions or have any other questions?

Here are 5 related questions to expand on this topic:

  1. How can we calculate the mean of a probability distribution?
  2. What is the variance of a probability distribution and how is it computed?
  3. What is the difference between a probability mass function and a probability density function?
  4. How do cumulative distribution functions relate to probability distributions?
  5. What is the expected value and how does it relate to real-world scenarios?

Tip: Always check both the non-negativity and the sum of probabilities when verifying a probability distribution.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Probability Distribution
Random Variables
Non-negativity and Sum Rule for Probabilities

Formulas

Non-negativity condition: 0 ≤ P(x) ≤ 1
Sum of probabilities: ΣP(x) = 1

Theorems

Basic Probability Theorems

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12