Random

Variables
 Random Variables
A random variable, usually written X, is a
variable whose possible values are
numerical outcomes of a random
phenomenon
example
Flip a coin three times; X = the total number of heads.The values o
X are . X= 0, 1, 2, 3
Throw two dice; X = the sum of the numbers facing up.The
values of X are .
X= 2, 3, 4, …, 12

Throw one die over and over until you get a six; X = the number of
X=1, 2, 3, 4, ...
 Types of Random
Variables
Discrete random variables are ones that have a finite or
countable number of possible outcomes (like number
of heads when flipping several coins).

Continuous random variables are ones that have an

infinite or uncountable number of possible outcomes
(like your exact speed on the highway, or how far
someone jumps)
 Probability with discrete variables
Throw a pair of fair dice, and take X to be the sum of the
numbers facing up. X= 2, 3, 4, … ,12

◦ The event that X = 2 is {(1, 1)} The event that you throw a 2
◦ The event that X = 3 is {(2, 1), (1, 2)} The event that you throw a 3
◦ The event that X = 4 is {(3, 1), (2, 2), (1, 3)} The event that you throw a 4

◦ P(X = 4) = 1/12 ◦ The probability that X = 4 is

1/12
practice
Throw a pair of fair dice,
Problem 2: Tossing a coin 4 times.
Find the discrete probability of the
following:
and take X to be the sum of
the numbers facing up.
let X= number of heads
X= 2, 3, 4, … ,12
P(X=0) = 1/16
P(X=1) = 0

P(X=1) = 4/16
P(X=2) = 1/36

P(X=2) = 6/16
P(X=3) = 2/36

P(X=3) = 4/16
P(X=4) = 3/36

P(X=4) = 1/16
Problem 2: Tossing a coin 4 times. Find the
probability of the following:

Where: X= number of heads

Number of heads 0 1 2 3 4

Probability 1/16 4/16 6/16 4/16 1/16

What is:
P(X ≤ 2)
= P(x=0) + P(x=1) + P(x=2)
= 1/16 + 4/16 + 6/16
= 11/16 Or 0.6875
 Education
Level:
A study of education followed a large group of fifth-
grade children to see how many years of school they
eventually completed. Let X be the highest year of
school that a randomly chosen 5th graders completes
Years 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
probability 0.010 0.007 0.007 0.013 0.032 0.068 0.070 0.041 0.752
A. Is this a “legit” continuous probability
distribution?
Yes, because the probabilities add up to 1
B. What is the percent of 5th graders eventually finished 12th grade?
There are 75.2% 5th graders eventually finished 12th grade.
C. Find
0.983
P(X≥6)
C. Find
0.931
P(X>6)