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The distributor of a machine for cytogenics has developed a new model. The company estimates that when it is introduced into the market, it will be very successful with a probability \(0.6,\) moderately successful with a probability \(0.3,\) and not successful with probability \(0.1 .\) The estimated yearly profit associated with the model being very successful is \(\$ 15\) million and with it being moderately successful is \(\$ 5\) million; not successful would result in a loss of \(\$ 500,000\). Let \(X\) be the yearly profit of the new model. Determine the probability mass function of \(X\).

Short Answer

Expert verified
The PMF is: \(P(X = 15) = 0.6\), \(P(X = 5) = 0.3\), \(P(X = -0.5) = 0.1\).

Step by step solution

01

Introduction to Probability Mass Function

A probability mass function (PMF) for a discrete random variable provides the probabilities associated with each of its possible outcomes. In this problem, we need to determine the PMF for the estimated profits based on the success level of the machine.
02

Defining Random Variable Outcomes

The outcomes for the random variable \(X\), representing yearly profit, based on the company's estimates, are: 1. Very successful: \(X = 15\) million dollars 2. Moderately successful: \(X = 5\) million dollars 3. Not successful: \(X = -0.5\) million dollars.
03

Assigning Probabilities to Outcomes

Assign the probabilities to each outcome of \(X\) as follows, using the company's estimates:- Probability the model is very successful \(P(X = 15) = 0.6\).- Probability the model is moderately successful \(P(X = 5) = 0.3\).- Probability the model is not successful \(P(X = -0.5) = 0.1\).
04

Writing the Probability Mass Function

The Probability Mass Function of \(X\) can be represented as:\[P(X = x) = \begin{cases} 0.6, & \text{if } x = 15 \ 0.3, & \text{if } x = 5 \ 0.1, & \text{if } x = -0.5 \end{cases}\]This PMF summarizes the probabilities for the different profit outcomes based on the success of the new model.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Discrete Random Variables
A discrete random variable is a type of variable that takes on a countable number of distinct values. These values are usually outcomes of a random process, and each has a specific probability attached to it. In the context of business analysis, a discrete random variable can represent profit outcomes among other possibilities.
For the machine distributor example, the discrete random variable is the yearly profit, denoted by \(X\). Since it can only assume specific values based on the model's success, it is considered discrete.
There are three potential outcomes for \(X\):
  • \(X = 15\) million dollars when the product is very successful.
  • \(X = 5\) million dollars when it is moderately successful.
  • \(X = -0.5\) million dollars when not successful.
Each of these outcomes is tied to its probability, which makes \(X\) a discrete random variable.
Expected Profit Calculation
The expected profit is an essential metric for evaluating potential business successes or risks. It's calculated by weighing each potential profit outcome with its associated probability, providing a statistical average of expected performance.
The formula for calculating expected profit, \(E(X)\), is:\[E(X) = \sum_{i} (x_i \cdot P(X = x_i))\]
In the exercise, we determine this as follows:
  • \(x_1 = 15\) million dollars with \(P(X = 15) = 0.6\)
  • \(x_2 = 5\) million dollars with \(P(X = 5) = 0.3\)
  • \(x_3 = -0.5\) million dollars with \(P(X = -0.5) = 0.1\)
Substituting into the formula, we have:\[E(X) = (15 \times 0.6) + (5 \times 0.3) + (-0.5 \times 0.1)\]This results in an expected profit which provides a clear quantitative measure of the model's financial potential.
Business Success Probability
Business success probability is a critical factor in decision-making processes. It quantifies the likelihood of various outcomes that influence overall business success or failure.
By analyzing the given probabilities:
  • Probability of a very successful launch: 0.6
  • Probability of moderate success: 0.3
  • Probability of no success: 0.1
This exercise helps in assessing the risk and preparing for different scenarios that a business may encounter when launching a new product.
The probabilities highlight not just potential gains, but also the associated risks, such as a 10% chance of experiencing losses. By understanding these probabilities, businesses can better strategize and allocate resources to maximize their profit and mitigate risks.

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