Exercise 5-1

19. Statistical Calculators The probability that a college bookstore sells 0,1,2 or 3 statistical calculators
4 2 2 1
on any given day is , , , ¿ respectively.
9 9 9 9
statistical 0 1 2 3
calculators
probability 4 2 2 1
9 9 9 9

0.5
0.45
0.4
0.35
0.3
0.25
0.2
0.15
0.1
0.05
0
0 Statistical
1 Calculators2 3

1 3
20. Investment Return The probabilities of a return on an investment of $5000, $7000 and $9000, , ,
2 8
1
¿ respectively.
8
X ($) 5000 7000 9000
Probability P(X) 0.5 0.375 0.125
 0.6

0.5

0.4
ProbabilityP(X)

0.3

0.2

0.1

0
5000 7000 9000

Investment($)

21. Automobile Tires The probability that an automobile repair shop sells 0,1,2,3 or 4 tries on any given
day is 0.25, 0.05, 0.30, 0.00 and 0.40 respectively.

X(tires) 0 1 2 3 4
P(X) 0.25 0.05 0.30 0.00 0.40

Automobile Tires
0.45
0.4
0.35
0.3
0.25
0.2
0.15
0.1
0.05
0
0 1 2 3 4

22. DVD Rentals The probabilities that a customer will rent 0,1,2, or 4 DVDs on a single visit to the
rental store are 0.15, 0.25, 0.3 and 0.40 respectively.

DVD Rentals 1 2 3 4
Probability 0.15 0.25 0.3 0.4
 DVD Rentals
0.45
0.4
0.35
0.3
0.25
0.2
0.15
0.1
0.05
0
1 2 3 4

1
23. Loaded Die A die is loaded in such a way that the probabilities of getting 1,2,3,4,5 and 6 are ,
2
1 1 1 1 ,∧1
, , , respectively.
6 12 12 12 12

Loaded Die 1 2 3 4 5 6
probability 0.5 0.16 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.08

0.6

0.5

0.4

0.3

0.2

0.1

0
1 2 Loaded
3 Die 4 5 6

24.Item selection The probabilities that a customer selects 1,2,3,4 and 5 items at a convenience store are
0.30, 0.12, 0.23, 0.18 and 0.15 respectively.

Item selection X 1 2 3 4 5
Probability P(X) 0.32 0.12 0.23 0.18 0.15
 Item selection
0.35

0.3

0.25

0.2

0.15

0.1

0.05

0
1 2 3 4 5

25 Student Classes The probabilities that a student is registered for 2, 3, 4 or 5 classes are 0.01, 0.34,
0.62 and 0.03 respectively.

Student Classes 2 3 4 5 5
Probability 0.01 0.34 0.62 0.03 0.12

Student Class
0.7

0.6

0.5

0.4

0.3

0.2

0.1

0
2 3 4 5

26. Garang Space The probabilities that a randomly selected home has garage space for 0, 1, 2, or 3 cars
are 0.22, 0.33, 0.37 and 0.08 respectively.

Garang Space 0 1 2 3
0.2
0.33 0.37 0.08
Probability 2
 Garang Space
0.4

0.35

0.3

0.25

0.2

0.15

0.1

0.05

0
0 1 2 3

27. Triangular Numbers The first six triangular numbers (1,3,6,10,15,21) are printed one each on one
side of a card. The cards are placed face down and mixed. Choose two cards at random, and let X be the
sum of the two numbers. Construct the probability distribution for this random variable X.

T1=1, T2=3, T3=6, T4=10, T5=15, T6=21

X=T1+T1=1+1=2 Probability: P(X=2) =1/15

X=T1+T2=1+3=4 Probability: P(X=4) =2/15
X=T1+T3=1+6=7 Probability: P(X=7) =2/15
X=T1+T4=1+10=11 Probability: P(X=11) =2/15
X=T1+T5=1+15=16 Probability: P(X=16) =2/15
X=T1+T6=1+21=22 Probability: P(X=22) =2/15
X=T2+T2=3+3=6 Probability: P(X=6) =1/15
X=T2+T3=3+6=9 Probability: P(X=9) =2/15
X=T2+T4=3+10=13 Probability: P(X=13) =2/15
X=T2+T5=3+15=18 Probability: P(X=18) =2/15
X=T2+T6=3+21=24 Probability: P(X=24) =2/15
X=T3+T3=6+6=12 Probability: P(X=12) =1/15
X=T3+T4=6+10=16 Probability: P(X=16) =2/15
X=T3+T5=6+15=21 Probability: P(X=21) =2/15
X=T3+T6=6+21=27 Probability: P(X=27) =2/15
X=T4+T4=10+10=20 Probability: P(X=20) =1/15
X=T4+T5=10+15=25 Probability: P(X=25) =2/15
X=T4+T6=10+21=31 Probability: P(X=31) =2/15
X=T5+T5=15+15=30 Probability: P(X=30) =1/15
X=T5+T6=15+21=36 Probability: P(X=36) =2/15
X=T6+T6=21+21=42 Probability: P(X=42) =1/15

X (Sum of
two cards) 4 7 9 11 13 16 18 21 22 24 25 27 31 36
Probability 0.0
P(X) 7 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.13 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.07

0.14

0.12

0.10
Probability P(X)

0.08

0.06

0.04

0.02

0.00
4 7 9 11 13 16 18 21 22 24 25 27 31 36

Sum of two cards

28. Child Play in Day Care In a popular day care center, the probability that a child will play with the
computer is 0.45; the probability that he or she will play dress-up is 0.27; play with block is 0.18 and
paint 0.1. Construct the probabilities distribution for this discrete random variable.
Solution

X Probability P(X)
play with the computer 0.45
play dress-up 0.27
play with block 0.18
play with paint 0.1
0.45+0.27+0.18+0.10=1.00

Child Play in Day Care

0.5
0.45
0.4
0.35
0.3
0.25
0.2
0.15
0.1
0.05
0
1 2 3 4 4

29. Goals in Hockey The probability that a hockey team scores a total of 1 goal in a game is 0.124; 2
goals, 0.297; 3 goals 0.402; 4 goals 0.094 and 5 goals, 0.083. Construct the probability distribution for
this discrete random variable and draw the graph.

Goals in Hockey X 1 2 3 4 5
Probability P(X) 0.124 0.297 0.402 0.094 0.083

0.124+0.297+0.402+0.094+0.083=1.000

Goals in Hockey
0.45
0.4
0.35
0.3
0.25
0.2
0.15
0.1
0.05
0
1 2 3 4 5
30. Mathematics Tutoring Center At a o drop-in mathematics tutoring center, each teacher sees 4 to 8
students per hour. The probability that a tutor sees 4 students in an hour is 0.117; 5 students, 0.123; 6
students, 0.295 and 7 students 0.328. Find the probability that a tutor sees 8 students in an hour construct
the probability distribution, and draw the graph.
Solution

Mathematics 4 5 6 7 8
Tutoring Center X
Probability P(X) 0.117 0.123 0.295 0.328 0.465

P(4)+ P(5)+ P(6)+ P(7)+ P(8)=1

0.117+0.123+0.295+ P(8)=1
0.535+P (8)=1
P(8)=1-0.535=0.465

. Mathematics Tutoring Center

0.5
0.45
0.4
0.35
0.3
0.25
0.2
0.15
0.1
0.05
0
4 5 6 7 8
Exercise 5-2
1.Coffee with Meals: A researcher wishes to determine the number of cups of coffee a customer drinks
with an evening meal at a restaurant. Find the mean, variance, and standard deviation for the distribution.

Number of heads X 0 1 2 3 4
Probability P(X) 0.31 0.42 0.21 0.04 0.02

Solution
The mean
µ=∑X. P(X)=0*0.31+1*0.42+2*0.21+3*0.04+4*0.02=1.04

X P (X) X.P(X) X2.P(X)

0 0.31 0 0
1 0.42 0.42 0.42
2 0.21 0.42 0.84
3 0.04 0.12 0.36
4 0.02 0.08 0.32
1.04 1.94

The variance is
σ2 =∑ [X2 .P(X)]- µ2
=
1.94-1.042
=
0.8584

σ=√ 0.8584 =0.926

2. Suit Sales The number of suits sold per day at a retail store is shown in the table, with the
corresponding probabilities. Find the mean, variance, and standard deviation of the distribution.

Number of suits sold X 19 20 21 22 23

Probability P (X) 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.1

The mean
µ=∑X. P(X)=19*0.2+20*0.2+21*0.3+22*0.3+23*0.2=23

X P (X) X.P(X) X2.P(X)

19 0.2 3.8 72.2
20 0.2 4 80
21 0.3 6.3 132.3
 22 0.3 6.6 145.2
23 0.1 2.3 52.9
23 482.6
The variance is
σ =∑ [X2 .P(X)]- µ2
= [192. 0.2+202. 0.2+212. 0.3+222. 0.3+232. 0.1]-232
=46.4

σ=√ 46.4 =6.8

3. Daily Newspapers A survey was taken of the number of daily newspapers a person reads per day. Find
the mean, variance and standard deviation of the distribution.

X 0 1 2 3
P (X) 0.42 0.35 0.20 0.03

The mean
µ=∑X. P(X)=0*0.42+1*0.35+2*0.20+3*0.03=0.84

X P (X) X.P(X) X2.P(X)

0 0.42 0 0
1 0.35 0.35 0.35
2 0.20 0.4 0.8
3 0.03 0.09 0.27
0.84 1.42
The variance is
σ2 =∑ [X2.P(X)]- µ2=1.42-0.842=0.7144

σ=√ 0.711=0.845

4. Trivia Quiz The probabilities that a player will get 5 to 10 questions right on a trivia quiz are shown
below. Find the mean, variance and standard deviation of the distribution.

X 5 6 7 8 9 10
P (X) 0.05 0.2 0.4 0.1 0.15 0.1

The mean
µ=∑X. P(X)=5*0.05+6*0.2+7*0.4+8*0.1+9*0.15+10*0.1
=7.4

X P (X) X.P(X) X2.P(X)

5 0.05 0.25 1.25
 6 0.2 1.2 7.2
7 0.4 2.8 19.6
8 0.1 0.8 6.4
9 0.15 1.35 12.15
10 0.1 1 10
7.4 56.6

The variance is
σ2 =∑ [X2. P(X)]- µ2=56.6-7.42
=1.84

σ=√ 1.84=1.35

5.New Homes A contractor has four new home plans. Plan 1 is a home with six windows. Plan 2 is a
home with seven windows. Plan 3 has eight windows, and plan 4 has nine windows. The probabilities
distribution for the sale of the homes is shown. Find the mean, variance and standard deviation for the
number of windows in the homes that the contractor builds.

X 6 7 8 9
P (X) 0.3 0.4 0.25 0.05

Solution
µ=∑X. P(X)=6*0.3+7*0.4+8*0.25+9*0.05
=7.05

X P (X) X.P(X) X2.P(X)

6 0.3 1.8 10.8
7 0.4 2.8 19.6
8 0.25 2 16
9 0.05 0.45 4.05
7.05 50.45

The variance is
σ2 =∑ [X2. P(X)]- µ2=50.45-7.052
=0.7475

σ=√ 0.7475=0.8645
6.Traffic Accidents The country highway department recorded the following probabilities for the number
of accidents per day a certain free way for one month. The number of accidents per day and their
corresponding probabilities are shown. Find the mean, variance and standard deviation

Number of accidents 0 1 2 3 4
P (X) 0.4 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.11

Solution
µ=∑X. P(X)=0*0.4+1*0.2+2*0.2+3*0.1+4*0.11
=1.34

X P (X) X.P(X) X2.P(X)

0 0.4 0 0
1 0.2 0.2 0.2
2 0.2 0.4 0.8
3 0.1 0.3 0.9
4 0.11 0.44 1.76
1.34 3.66

The variance is
σ2 =∑ [X2. P(X)]- µ2=1.34-3.662
=1.8644

σ=√ 1.8644 =1.3654

7. Fitness Machine A fitness center bought a new exercise machine called the Mountain climber. They
decided to keep track of how many people used the machine over a 3-hour period. Find the mean,
variance and standard deviation of the probability distribution. Here X is the number of people who used
the machine.

X 0 1 2 3 4
P (X) 0.1 0.2 0.4 0.2 0.1

Solution
µ=∑X. P(X)=0*0.1+1*0.2+2*0.4+3*0.2+4*0.1
=2

X P (X) X.P(X) X2.P(X)

0 0.1 0 0
1 0.2 0.2 0.2
2 0.4 0.8 1.6
 3 0.2 0.6 1.8
4 0.1 0.4 1.6
2 5.2

The variance is
σ2 =∑ [X2. P(X)]- µ2=5.2-.22
=1.2

σ=√ 1.2=1.09544

8. Benford’s Law The leading digits in actual data, such as stock prices, population numbers, death rates,
and lengths of rivers, do not occur randomly as one might suppose, but instead follow a distribution
according to the Benford’s law. Below is the probability distribution for the leading digits in real-life lists
of data. Calculate the mean for distribution.
X 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
P (x) 0.301 0.176 0.125 0.097 0.079 0.067 0.058 0.051 0.046
The mean
µ=∑X. P(X)=1*0.301+2*0.176+3*0.125+4*0.097+5*0.079+6*0.067+7*0.058+8*0.051+9*0.046
=3.441

X P (X) X.P(X) X2.P(X)

1 0.301 0.301 0.301
2 0.176 0.352 0.704
3 0.125 0.375 1.125
4 0.097 0.388 1.552
5 0.079 0.395 1.975
6 0.067 0.402 2.412
7 0.058 0.406 2.842
8 0.051 0.408 3.264
9 0.046 0.414 3.726
3.441 17.901
The variance is
σ2 =∑[X2 .P(X)]- µ2=17.901-3.4412=6.06

σ=√ 6.06 =2.46

9.Automobile A survey shows the probability of the number of automobiles that families in a certain
housing plan own. Find the mean, variance and standard deviation of the probability distribution

X 1 2 3 4 5
P (X) 0.27 0.46 0.21 0.05 0.01
The mean
µ=∑X. P(X)=1*0.27+2*0.46+3*0.21+4*0.05+5*0.01
=2.07
The variance is
σ2 =∑ [X2 .P(X)]- µ2=5.05-2.072=0.7651

σ=√ 0.7651=0.8747

10. Pizza Deliveries A pizza shop owner determines the number of pizzas that are delivered each day.
Find the mean, variance and standard deviation of the probability distribution shown. If the manager
stated that 45 pizzas were delivered on one day, do you think that this is a believable clam?

Number of deliveries X 35 36 37 38 39
P (X) 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.1

The mean
µ=∑X. P(X)=35*0.1+36*0.2+37*0.3+38*0.3+39*0.1
=37.1
The variance is
σ2 =∑ [X2 .P(X)]- µ2=1377.7-37.12=1.29

σ=√ 1.29=1.135782

Exercise 5-2

11. Grab Bags A convenience store has made up 20 grab bag gifts and is offering them for $2.00 a bag.
The bags gifts and is offering them for $2.00 a bag. Ten bags contain merchandise worth $1.00. Six bags
contain merchandise worth $2.00, and four bags contain merchandise worth $3.00. Suppose you purchase
one bag. What is your expected gain or loss?

Solution

There are 20 bags in total.

o 10 bags contain merchandise worth $1.00.

o 6 bags contain merchandise worth $2.00.
o 4 bags contain merchandise worth $3.00.
Probabilities:

o Probability of getting a $1.00 bag: 10/20=0.5

o Probability of getting a $2.00 bag: 6/20=0.3
o Probability of getting a $3.00 bag: 4/20=0.2

E= (0.5×1.00) + (0.3×2.00) + (0.2×3.00)

=0.5+0.6+0.6=1.7 = 0.5 + 0.6 + 0.6
= 1.7

Expected Gain or Loss:

o The cost of one bag is $2.00.

o The expected value of the contents is $1.70.

The expected gain or loss is:

Expected Gain or Loss=Expected Value−Cost=1.70−2.00=−0.30

Therefore, the expected loss when you purchase one grab bag is $0.30.

12. Job Bids A landscape contractor bids on jobs where he can make $3000 profit. The probabilities of
getting 1,2,3, or 4 jobs per month are shown.

Number of jobs 1 2 3 4

Probability 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.1

Find the contractor’s expected profit per month.

Solution

The expected number of jobs (E) is:

E(jobs) = (1×0.2) + (2×0.3) + (3×0.4) +(4×0.1) =2.4

expected profit per month= 2.4*3000=7200

18. Life Insurance A 35-year-old woman purchases a $100,000 term life insurance policy for an annual
payment of $360. Based on period life table for the US government, the probability that she will survive
the year is 0.999057. Find the expected value of the policy for the insurance company.

Solution
P(Survival)= 0.999057

P (death) =1-0.999057=0.000943

Expected payout= P (death) x 100,00

=0.000943x100,000=94.3

Expect value=360-94.3=265.7

the expected value of the policy for the insurance company=$265.7

Exercise 5-3

7. Belief in UFOs A survey found that 10% of Americans believe that they have seen a UFO. For a
sample of 10 people, find each probability:

a. That at least 2 people believe that they have seem a UFO

b. That 2 or 3 people believe that they have seen a UFO
c. That exactly 1 person believes that he or she has seen a UFO

Solution

X= No. of people believe that they have been seen a UFO.

p= Probability of people believe that they have been seen a UFO=0.1

n= Sample Size= 10

X= 0,1, 2,3,4 …10

X is binomial distribution

a. Probability that at least 2 people believe that they have seem a UFO

P(X≥2) =?

P(X≥2) =1- P(X≤1)

=1- P (0) - P (1)

By Using table B

=1-0.3487-0.3874

=0.264
 b. Probability that 2 or 3 people believe that they have seen a UFO

P (X=2) P (X=3)=?

P (X=2) + P (X=3) =0.193+0.0574=0.2504

c. Probability that exactly 1 person believes that he or she has seen a UFO

P (X=1) =0.3874

8. Multiple-Choice Exam A student takes a 20-question, multiple-choice exam with five choices for each
question and guess on each question. Find the probability of guessing at least 15 out of 20 correctly.
Would you consider this event likely or unlikely to occur? Explain your answer.

Solution

X= No. of question

p=Probability of Correct guess p= 1/5=0.2

q= Probability of incorrect guess=1-0.2=0.8

n= sample size = 20

X= 0,1, 2,3,4 …20

probability of guessing at least 15 out of 20 correctly?

P(X≥15) =P(X=15)+ P(X=16)+ P(X=17)+ P(X=18)+ P(X=19) +P(X=20)

n! x n− x 20 ! 15 20 −15
P(X=15) = . p .q = .0. 2 .0.8 =0.00000016
( n− X ) ! X ! ( 20−15 ) ! 15 !
n! x n− x 20! 16 20−1 6
P(X=16) = . p .q = . 0.2 .0.8 =0.000000013
( n− X ) ! X ! ( 20−1 6 ) ! 1 6 !

n! x n− x 20! 15 20−1 7
P(X=17) = . p .q = . 0.2 . 0.8 =0
( n− X ) ! X ! ( 20−1 7 ) ! 17 !

n! x n− x 20! 15 20−15
P(X=18) = . p .q = . 0.2 . 0.8 =0
( n− X ) ! X ! ( 20−1 8 ) ! 1 8!

n! x n− x 20! 15 20−15
P(X=19) = . p .q = . 0.2 . 0.8 =0
( n− X ) ! X ! ( 20−1 9 ) ! 1 9!
 n! x n− x 20 ! 15 20−15
P(X=20) = . p .q = . 0.2 . 0.8 =0
( n− X ) ! X ! ( 20−20 ) ! 20 !

9.High Blood Pressure Twenty percent of Americans ages 25 to 74 have high blood pressure. If 16
randomly selected Americans ages 25 to 74 are selected, find each probability.

a. None will have high blood pressure.

b. One-half will have high blood pressure.

c. Exactly 4 will have high blood pressure

Solution

X= No. of high blood pressure

p= 20/100=0.2

n= 16

a. P (None will have high blood pressure) = P(X=0) = 0.0281475

b. P (One-half will have high blood pressure= P(X=8) = 0.0055
c. P(Exactly 4 will have high blood pressure)= P(X=4)=0.2001

10. High School Dropouts Approximately 10.3% of American high School students drop out of school
before graduation. Choose 10 students entering high school at random. Find the probability that

a. No more than 2 drop out

b. At least 6 graduates
c. All 10 stay in school and graduate

Solution

X= No. of American high School students

p= High School Dropouts =10.3%=0.103

q= students entering=1-0.103=0.897

n= sample size=10

a. P (No more than 2 drop out) = P(X≤2)

 n! x n− x 10 ! 0 10−0
P(X=0) = . p .q = . 0.103 .0.897 =0.337
( n− X ) ! X ! ( 10−0 ) ! 0 !
n! x n− x 10! 1 10−1
P(X=1) = . p .q = . 0.103 .0.897 =0.387
( n− X ) ! X ! ( 10−1 ) ! 1!

n! x n− x 10! 2 10−2
P(X=2) = . p .q = . 0.103 . 0.897 =0.200
( n− X ) ! X ! ( 10−2 ) ! 2 !

b. b. At least 6 graduates= P(X≥6)

P (X≥ 6 ¿=¿ P(6)+ P(7)+ P(8)+ P(9)+ P(10)

P(X=6) =0.00016
P(X=7) =0.00001
P(X=8) =0
P(X=9) =0
P(X=10) =0
P (X≥ 6 ¿= P (X=6) + P (X=7) + P (X=8) + P (X=9) + P (X=10)
=0.00016+0.00001+0+0+0=0.00017

c.All 10 stay in school and graduate

P(X=0) =0.337

11. Advertising Three out of four people think most advertising seeks to persuade people to buy things
they don’t need or can’t afford. Find the probability that exactly 5 out of 9 randomly selected people will
agree with this statement.

Solution

X= No. of people buy things

p= ¾=0.75

q=1-0.75=0.25

n= sample size=9

Probability that exactly 5 out of 9 P(X=5) =?

=P(X=5) =0.1168=0.117
12.Language Spoken at Home by the U.S Population In 2014 the percentage of the U.S population that
speak English only in the home is 78.9%. Choose 15 US people at random. What is the probability that
exactly one-third of them speak English only? At least one-third? What is the probability that at least 9
do not speak English in the home?

Solution

X= speak English only in the home

n= sample size=15

p= 78.9%=0.789

q=1-0.789=0.211

P (exactly one-third speak English only) = P(X=5)= 0.000182

P(At least one-third)=P(X≥5)

P(X=0)+ P(X=1)+ P(X=2)+ P(X=3)+ P(X=4)

n! x n− x 15 ! 0 15−0
P(X=0) = . p .q = . 0.789 .0.211 =0
( n− X ) ! X ! ( 15−0 ) ! 0 !

n! x n− x 15! 1 15−1
P(X=1)= . p .q = . 0.789 .0.211 =0
( n− X ) ! X ! ( 15−1 ) ! 1!

n! x n− x 15! 2 15−2
P(X=2) = . p .q = . 0.789 . 0.211 =0
( n− X ) ! X ! ( 15−2 ) ! 2 !

n! x n− x 15 ! 3 15−3
P(X=3) = . p .q = .0.789 . 0.211 =0
( n− X ) ! X ! ( 15−3 ) ! 3 !

n! x n− x 10 ! 0 15−4
P(X=4)= . p .q = . 0.103 .0.897 =0.00002
( n− X ) ! X ! ( 10−0 ) ! 0 !
P(X≥5 )=1-P(X≤4)=1-0.00002=0.999979

probability that at least 9 do not speak English in the home?

P(X=6)
n! x n− x 10 !
. p .q =
( n− X ) ! X ! ( 10−0 ) ! 0 !

13. Prison Inmates: Forty percent of prison inmates were unemployed when they entered prison. If 5
inmates are randomly selected, find these probabilities
a. Exactly 3 were employed
b. At most 4 were employed
c. At least 3 were unemployed
d. Fewer than 2 were unemployed

Solution

X= no. of entered prison

n=5

Forty percent of prison inmates were unemployed = p= 40/100=0.4

q=1-0.4=0.6

a. P (Exactly 3 were employed) = P (X=3) = 0.3456 By Using Table B

b. P (At most 4 were employed) =P(X=5)= 0.07778
c. At least 3 were unemployed
P(X≥ 2)=P (X=0)+ P (X=1)+ P (X=2)= 0.07776+ 0.2592+ 0.3456
=0.68256

P(X≤3) =1- P(X≥ 2)=1-0.68256=0.31744

Fewer than 2 were unemployed

P(<2)= P(X=0)+P(X=1)= 0.07776+ 0.2592

0.33696

14. Destination Weddings: Twenty-six percent of couples who plan to marry this year are planning
destination weddings. In a random sample of 12 couples who plan to marry, find the probability that
a. Exactly 6 couples will have a destination wedding
b. At least 6 couples will have a destination wedding
 c. Fewer than 5 couples will have a destination wedding

Solution
p=26%=26/100=0.26
q=1-0.26=0.74
n=12

P (Exactly 6 couples will have a destination wedding)

n! x n− x 12 ! 6 12−6
P(6)= . p .q = . 0.26 . 0.74 =0.046
( n− X ) ! X ! ( 12−6 ) ! 6 !

P(At least 6 couples will have a destination wedding)= P(≥6)

(P≥6)= 1-(P≤5)

P(X≤ 5)=P (0)+ P (1)+ P (2) )+ P (3) )+ P (4)+ P (5)= 0.935376

n! x n− x 12 ! 0 12−0
P (X=0) = . p .q = .0.26 .0.74 =0.026964
( n− X ) ! X ! ( 12−0 ) ! 0 !
n! x n− x 12! 1 12−1
P (X=1) = . p .q = . 0.26 .0.74 =0.113685
( n− X ) ! X ! ( 12−1 ) ! 1!
n! x n− x 12! 2 12−2
P (X=2) = . p .q = . 0.26 . 0.74 =0.219689
( n− X ) ! X ! ( 12−2 ) ! 2!
n! x n− x 12! 3 12−3
P (X=3) = . p .q = . 0.26 . 0.74 =0.257293
( n− X ) ! X ! ( 12−3 ) ! 3 !
n! x n− x 12! 4 12− 4
P (X=4) = . p .q = . 0.26 . 0.74 =0.203401
( n− X ) ! X ! ( 12−4 ) ! 4 !
n! x n− x 12! 5
12−5 ¿
P (5) = . p .q = . 0.26 . 0.74 ¿ = 0.114344
( n− X ) ! X ! ( 12−5 ) ! 5 !
(P≥6)= 1-(P≤5)=1-0.935376=0.064624
P(Fewer than 5 couples will have a destination wedding)= (P<5)

P(X<5)=P (X=0)+ P (X=1)+ P (X=2) )+ P (X=3) )+ P (X=4)

= 0.026964+0.113685+0.219689+0.203401=0.821031

15. People who have some college education: Fifty-three percent of all persons in the US population have
at least some college educations. Choose 10 persons at random, Find the probability that
a. Exactly one-half have some college educations
 b. At least 5 do not have any college education
c. Fewer than 5 have some college education

Solution
X=persons in college education
n= sample size 10
p=53%=53/100=0.53
P(Exactly one-half have some college educations)=P(5)= 0.24169584
P(At least 5 do not have any college education)=(P≥5)

P(X=0)= 0.00052599
P(X=1)= 0.00593139
P(X=2)= 0.03009866
P(X=3)= 0.09050944
P(X=4)= 0.17861171
(P≤4)= P(0)+ P(1)+ P(2)+ P(3)+ P(4)= 0.30567718

(P≥5)=1-(P≤4)=1- 0.30567718=0.69432282

P(Fewer than 5 have some college education)=(P<5)

P(X=0)= 0.00052599
P(X=1)= 0.00593139
P(X=2)= 0.03009866
P(X=3)= 0.09050944
P(4)= 0.17861171
(P<5)= P(X=0)+ P(X=1)+ P(X=2)+ P(X=3)+ P(X=4)= 0.30567718

16. Guidance missile System: A missile guidance system has 5 fail-safe components. The probability of
each failing is 0.05. Find these probabilities
a. Exactly 2 will fail
b. More than 2 will fail
c. All will fail
d. Compare the answers for part a, b, and c and explain why these results are reasonable.

Solution

X= A missile guidance system

p= Probability of each failing=0.05

n= 5

X= 0,1,2,3,4,5

X is binomial distribution

a. Probability that exactly 2 will fail

P(X=2) =?

By Using table B

P(X=2) =0.0214

b. At least 5 do not have some college education.

P(X≥4) =?

P(X≥4) =1-P (X=1)- P (X=2)- P (X=3)- P (X=4)

=1-0.2036-0.0214-0.0011

c. All will fail.

P(X=5) =0

Exercise 5-4
7. Find each probability P(X; λ), using Table C in Appendix A.
a. P (6; 4)
b. P (2; 5)
c. P (7; 3)

Solution
a. P (6; 4)
−λ X
P(X; λ) =
e λ
X!
.
−4 6
=
2.7183 4
6!
The letter e is a constant approximately equal to 2.7183.
=0.1042

b. P (2; 5)
−λ X
P(X; λ) =
e λ
X!
−5 2
=
2.7183 5
2!
=0.0842

c. P (7; 3)

−λ X
P(X; λ) =
e λ
X!
−3 7
=
2.7183 3
7!
=0.02160

8. Find each probability P(X; λ) using Table C in Appendix A.

a. P(10; 7)
b. P(9; 8)
c. P(3; 4)

Solution
a. P (10; 7)
−λ X
P(X; λ) =
e λ
X!
.
−7 10
=
2.7183 7
10 !
The letter e is a constant approximately equal to 2.7183.
=0.0709

b. P (9; 8)
−λ X
P(X; λ) =
e λ
X!
−8 9
=
2.7183 8
9!
=0.1240

c. P (3; 4)

−λ X
P(X; λ) =
e λ
X!
−4 3
=
2.7183 4
3!
=0.1953

9. Study of Robberies A recent study of robberies for a certain geographic region showed an average of
1 robbery per 20,000 people. In a city of 80,000 people, find the probability of the following.
a. 0 robberies
b. 1 robbery
c. 2 robberies
d. 3 or more robberies

Solution

1
λ= x 80000=4
20000

a. 0 robberies
X=0
−λ X
P(X; λ) =
e λ
X!
−0.25 0
=
2.7183 4
0!

=0.0183

b. 1 robbery
X=1
−λ X
P(X; λ) =
e λ
X!
−0.25 1
=
2.7183 4
1!

=0.0732

c.2 robberies
X=2
−λ X
P(X; λ) =
e λ
X!
−0.25 2
=
2.7183 4
2!
=0.1465
d. 3 or more robberies

X=3,4,5…
P (0,0.25) + P (1,0.25) + P (2,0.25)

= 0.0183+0.0732+0.1465

=0.2381

P (3 or more robberies) =1- P (0,0.25) + P (1,0.25) + P (2,0.25)

=1-0.2381

=0.7802

10. Misprints on Manuscript Pages In a 400-page manuscript, there are 200 randomly distributed
misprints. If a page is selected, find the probability that it has 1 misprint.

200
λ= =0.5
400

X=1
−λ X
e λ
P (1 misprint) =
X!
−0.5 1
2.7183 0.5
=
1!
=0.3032

14. Emission Inspection Failures If 3% of all cars fail the emissions inspection, find the probability that
in a sample of 90 cars, 3 will fail. Use the Poisson approximation.
λ=0.03x90=2.7
X=3
−λ X
e λ
P (3 will fail) =
X!
−2.7 3
2.7183 2.7
=
3!
=0.2205

15. Phone Inquiries The average number of phone inquiries per day at the poison control center is 4.
Find the probability it will receive 5 calls on a given day. Use the Poisson approximation.
λ=4
X=5
−λ X
e λ
P (receive 5 calls) =
X!
−4 5
2.7183 4
=
5!
=0.1563
16 Defective Calculators In a batch of 2000 calculators, there are, on average, 8 defective ones. If a
random sample of 150 is selected, find the probability of 5 defective ones.
Solution
The average of defective calculator for 2,000 calculators, p = 8/2000 = 0.004
The average of defective calculator for 150 calculators ʎ = n*p= 150*0.004=0.6
−ʎ x
e ʎ
P(X;ʎ) =
X!
−0.6 5
2.7183 0.6
X = 5, P (5; 0.6) = = .0004
5!

17 School Newspaper Staff A school newspaper staff is comprised of 5 seniors, 4 juniors, 5 sophomores,
and 7 freshmen. If 4 staff members are chosen at random for a publicity photo, what is the probability that
there will be 1 student from each class?
Solution
aCx . bCn−x
P (X) =
a+ bCn
a= 5 senior, b = 4 juniors, c = 5 sophomores, d = 7 freshmen
n = 4 staff
X = 1, then n – X = 4 -1 = 3
5C 1. 16 C 3 5∗560
P (one senior student) = = = 0.4678
21C 4 5985
4 C 1 . 17 C 3 4∗680
P (one junior student) = = = 0.4545
21 C 4 5985
5C 1. 16 C 3 5∗560
P (one sophomores) = = = 0.4678
21C 4 5985
7 C 1 .14 C 3 7∗364
P (one freshman) = = = 0.4257
21C 4 5985

P (one student from each class) = P (one senior student) * P (one junior student) * P (one sophomore
student) *P (one freshman student)
= 0.4678*0.4545*0.4678*0.4257
 = 0.0423

Hence, the probability that there will be 1 student from each class is 0.0423.

18 Missing Pages from Books A bookstore owner examines 5 books from each lot of 25 to check for
missing pages. If he finds at least 2 books with missing pages, the entire lot is returned. If indeed, there
are 5 books with missing pages, find the probability that the lot will be returned.
Solution
aCx . bCn−x
P (X) =
a+ bCn

Here, a = 2, b = 23, n = 5, x = 0; so
5C 0 .20 C 5 1∗15504
P (X) = = = 0.2918
25 C 5 53130
P (At least 1 book have missing page) = 1 – P (no missing page) = 1 - 0.2918 = 0.7082

There is 0.7982 or 79.82%, probability that the lot will be rejected when five books of 25 books have
missing pages.

19 Job Applicants Twelve people apply for a teaching position in mathematics at a local college. Six
have a PhD and six have a master’s degree. If the department chairperson selects three applicants at
random for an interview, find the probability that all three have a PhD.
Solution
Assigning the values to the variables gives
a = 6 PhD
b = 6 master
n=3
x = 3 and n -X = 0, substituting in the formula gives

aCx . bCn−x 6 C 3∗6 C 0 20∗1 1

P (X) = = = = = 0.0909
a+ bCn 12C 3 220 11
There is a 0.0909 probability that all three applicants have a PhD.

20 Defective Computer Keyboards A shipment of 24 computer keyboards is rejected if 4 are checked

the defects and at least 1 is found to be defective. Find the probability that the shipment will be returned if
there are actually 6 defective keyboards.
Solution
aCx . bCn−x
P (X) =
a+ bCn
Since the shipment is rejected if at least 1 keyboard is found to be defective, it is necessary to find the
probability that none are defective and subtract this probability from 1.
Here, a = 4, b = 20, n = 6, x = 0
4 C 0 .20 C 6 1∗38760
P (X) = = = 0.2880
24 C 6 134596
P (At least 1 is defective) = 1 – P (no defective) = 1 - 0.2880 = 0.712

There is a 0.712 or 71.2% probability that the shipment will be rejected if 6 out of the 24 computer
keyboards are defective.

21 Defective Electronics A shipment of 24 smartphones is rejected if 3 are checked for defects and at
least 1 is found to be defective. Find the probability that the shipment will be returned if there are actually
6 smartphones that are defective.
Solution
aCx . bCn−x
P (X) =
a+ bCn
Since the shipment is rejected if at least 1 smartphone is found to be defective, it is necessary to find the
probability that none are defective and subtract this probability from 1.

Here, a = 3, b = 21, n = 6, x = 0; so
3C 0 .21 C 6 1∗54264
P (X) = = = 0.4032
24 C 6 134596
P (At least 1 is defective) = 1 – P (no defective) = 1 – 0.4032 = 0.5968

There is a 0.5968 or 59.68% probability that the shipment will be rejected if 6 out of the 24 smartphones
are defective.
Phyoe Khaing Zar Wint

No.177