Continuous

Probability
Distributions

12 Data Management

Discrete vs. Continuous

Probability Distributions
A discrete random variable is called discrete

because it can only take on clearly defined, separated

values that are obtained by counting.

The corresponding distribution is referred to as a

discrete probability distribution because it consists

of a list of the discrete values that the random variable
can assume as well as their associated probabilities.

Ex: the number of newspapers sold per day from a

corner box; the number of vehicles driving into each of

the service stations within a defined geographical area
on a particular day.

Discrete vs. Continuous

Probability Distributions
The term continuous random variable is usually

associated with a measurement that can be made

to a desired degree of precision, such as length,
height, weight or speed.
For example, in downhill skiing the time it takes

racers to finish the course is measured in onehundredths of a second. Similarly, in the long
jump, distance is measured to the nearest cm.

PRAMA

Prama:
What It Is and How To Avoid
It

Because prom is widely considered the most

important event of high school (though we
hear graduation is kind of significant), it's
only natural that the occasion will spark a
healthy dose of drama.
The term "prama" include things like two
guys inviting the same girl to prom, two girls
buying the same prom dress, or one couple
agreeing to go with two different pre- or
post-prom bashes.

Prama
Other "pramatic" events: deciding
you hate your dress at the last
minute, realizing your tux doesn't fit
the day of prom, breaking up with
your date a month before prom, or
finding yourself a victim of "dress
jealousy.

How can you avoid date

prama?":
In the months prior to the big event, stay in
the good graces of your prom date no
breakups, no second thoughts, no last-minute
backing out.
Communicate! Discuss your ensembles,
transportation, dinner arrangements, and
after-prom plans before the week of prom
or worse, the day of.
If you find out that your Prince Charming (or
your Princess Enchanting) is a toad wearing a
tuxedo disguise, grin and bear it... and don't
feel guilty dancing with your best friends.

Continuous Probability
Distributions
A random variable is a variable whose value in a

particular experiment is determined by chance

alone.
A continuous random variable is one that can
assume and infinite number of values within a
specified interval.
A discrete random variable is one that can
assume only distinct values within a specified
interval.

How can you avoid prama"

queens?
With months of preparations and pressures, the stress

is bound to wear everyone a little thin. While some girls

feel pure excitement, others feel constant anxiety.
Did I choose the right dress? Are my shoes okay? Will
my date like me? Will I get salad stuck in my teeth at
dinner and have a giant glob of green in professional
prom photos? Pre-prom jitters are normal, but stressful
nonetheless.
With a little TV relaxation (Gossip Girl prom episodes,
perhaps?), iTunes therapy, and plenty of pedicures, the
night will go off without a hitch even if you have to
deal with a prama queen or two.

Continuous Probability
Distributions
A probability distribution can either be continuous or

discrete, depending on the nature of the random

variable described by the distribution.
The probability distribution of a random variable
defines the probability of occurrence of every possible
value that the random variable can assume.
Probabilities making up the probability distribution are
values between 0 and 1,and their sum must equal 1.
A probability distribution can be presented in the form
of an equation, table or graph.

Probability Distributions
Often we want to find the probability that a variable

falls in a particular range of values.

This kind of probability can be determined from the

area under the distribution curve.

The Uniform Distribution (this is the simplest such

curve all possibilities are equally likely)

The curve itself represents the probability density,

the probability per unit of the continuous random

variable.

Normal Distribution

Normal Distribution Example:

Intelligence Quotient