SOME DISCRETE PROBABILITY DISTRIBUTIONS
Discrete Uniform Distribution
If the random variable X assumes the values x1, x2, …., xk, with equal probabilities, then the discrete
uniform distribution is given by
1
f x; k , x = x1, x2, ……, xk.
k
Theorem 4.1
The mean and variance of the discrete uniform distribution f( x; k) are
k k
x x
2
i i
and
i 1
2 i 1
k k
Binomial and Multinomial Distributions
The Bernoulli Process:
1. The properties consists of n repeated trials.
2. Each trial results in an outcome that maybe classified as a success or a failure.
3. The probability of success, denoted by p, remains constant from trial to trial.
4. The repeated trials are independent.
Binomial Distribution
A Bernoulli trial can result in a success with probability p and a failure with probability q = 1 – p. Then
the probability distribution of the binomial random variable X, the number of successes in n independent
trials, is
n
b x; n, p p x q n x , x = 0, 1, 2, . . . . , n.
x
Problem
In testing a certain kind of tire truck over a rugged terrain, it is found out that 25% of the truck fail to
complete the test run without blowout. Of the next 15 trucks tested, find the probability that
(a) from 3 to 4 have blowouts;
(b) fewer than four have blowouts;
(c) more than 5 have blowouts.
The probability that a patient recovers from a delicate heart operation is 0.9. What is the probability that
exactly 5 of the next 7 patients having this operation survive?
Theorem 4.2
The mean and variance of the binomial distribution b(x; n, p) are =np and 2 = npq.
Multinomial Distribution
1
If a given trial can result in k outcomes E1, E2, . . . , Ek with probabilities p1, p2, …, pk, then the
probability distribution of the random variable X1, X2, …., Xk, representing the number of occurrences
for E1, E2, ….., Ek in n independent trials is
n x1 x2
f x1 , x2 ,...., xk ; p1 , p2 ,....., p k , n p1 p2 .... pkxk
x1 , x 2 ,...xk
k k
with xi n and
i 1
p
i 1
i 1
Problem:
According to theory of genetics, a certain cross of guinea pigs will result in red, black, and white
offspring in the ration 8:4:4. Find the probability that among 8 offspring 5, 2 black, and 1 white.
Hypergeometric Random Variable
1. A random sample of size n is selected without replacement of N items.
2. k of the N items maybe classified as successes and N – k are classified as failures
Hypergeometric Distribution
The probability distribution of the hypergeometric random variable X, the number of successes in a
random sample of size n selected from N items of which k are labeled success and N – k labeled failure, is
k N k
x n x
h x; N , n, k ,x =0, 1, 2, ….., n.
N
k
Problem
If 7 cards are dealt from an ordinary deck of 52 playing cards, what is the probability that
a) exactly 2 of them will be face cards?
b) at least 1 of them will be a queen?
Multivariate Hypergeometric Distribution
If N items can be permitted into the k cells A1, A2,….,Ak with a1, a2,…,ak elements, respectively, then the
probability, then the probability distribution of the random variables X 1, X2, …., Xk, representing the
number of elements selected from A1, A2, …., Ak in a random sample of size n, is
a1 a2 ak
.....
x1 x xk
f x1 , x2 ,...., xk ; a1 , a2 ,..., an , N , n 2
N
n
k k
with xi n and
i 1
a
i 1
i N
Problem
2
Find the probability of being dealt a bridge hand of 13 cards containing 5 spades, 2 hearts, 3 diamonds,
and 3 clubs.
Negative Binomial Distribution
If repeated independent trials can result in a success with probability p and a failure with probability q
= 1 – p, then the probability distribution of the random variable X, the number of the trial on which the
first kth success occurs, is given by
x 1 k x k
b * x; k , p p q , x = k, k + 1, k + 2,……
k 1
Geometric Distribution
If repeated independent trials can result in a success with probability p and a failure with probability q
= 1 – p, then the probability distribution of the random variable X, the number of the trials on which the
frst success occurs, is given by
g x pq x 1 , 1, 2, 3, …..
Problem
Find the probability that a person flipping a coin gets
a) the third head in the seventh flip;
b) the first head on the fourth flip.
The probability that a student pilot oases the written test for his private pilot license is 0.70. Find the
probability that a person passes the test
a) on the third try:
b) before the fourth try.
Poisson Distribution
The probability distribution of the Poisson random variable x, representing the number of outcomes
occurring in a given time interval or specified region denoted by
e t t
x
p x; t , x = 0, 1, 2, 3,…..
x!
where is the average number of outcomes per unit time or region.
Problem
The average number of field mice per acre in a 5 acre wheat field is estimated to be 12. Find the
probability that fewer than 7 field mice are found
a) on a given acre;
b) on two of the next 3 acres inspected.
The probability that a person dies from a certain respiratory infection is 0.002. Find the probability that
fewer than 5 of the next 2000 so infected will die.
