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The following table is a partial probability distribution for the MRA Company's projected profits \((x=\text { profit in } \$ 1000\) s ) for the first year of operation (the negative value denotes a loss). $$\begin{array}{rr} x & f(x) \\ -100 & .10 \\ 0 & .20 \\ 50 & .30 \\ 100 & .25 \\ 150 & .10 \\ 200 & \end{array}$$ a. What is the proper value for \(f(200) ?\) What is your interpretation of this value? b. What is the probability that MRA will be profitable? c. What is the probability that MRA will make at least \(\$ 100,000 ?\)

Short Answer

Expert verified
a. The missing probability is 0.05. b. Probability of being profitable is 0.70. c. Probability of making at least $100,000 is 0.40.

Step by step solution

01

Determine Missing Probability Value

We are given the probability distribution values for all possible profits except when \(x = 200\). For a probability distribution, the sum of all probability values \(f(x)\) must equal 1. Thus, we sum the given probabilities: \(0.10 + 0.20 + 0.30 + 0.25 + 0.10 = 0.95\). The missing probability \(f(200)\) is \(1 - 0.95 = 0.05\).
02

Interpretation of Missing Probability

The \(f(200) = 0.05\) means there is a 5% chance that the company's profit will be \(\$200,000\).
03

Calculate Probability of Being Profitable

Being profitable means having a profit greater than 0. We find the probabilities for profits greater than 0, which are \(x = 50\), \(x = 100\), \(x = 150\), and \(x = 200\). Therefore, the probability of profitability is \(0.30 + 0.25 + 0.10 + 0.05 = 0.70\).
04

Calculate Probability of Making At Least $100,000

To make at least \(\$100,000\), MRA must have a profit of \(x = 100\), \(x = 150\), or \(x = 200\). Thus, the probability is \(0.25 + 0.10 + 0.05 = 0.40\).

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Key Concepts

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

Projected Profits
When analyzing the future financial performance of a company, understanding projected profits is essential. In the context of the MRA Company, projected profits refer to the expected financial outcomes expressed in thousands of dollars that the company anticipates for its first year of operations. These projections can comprise a range of scenarios from a financial loss to substantial profits.
A crucial step in evaluating these projections is establishing a probability distribution table. Each profit level, represented by \(x\), is assigned a probability value \(f(x)\), showing how likely each scenario is. For MRA, the table indicates several potential profit outcomes, from \(-\\(100,000\) indicating a loss to \(+\\)200,000\). These possibilities help stakeholders gauge the company’s range of financial futures.
  • For instance, a value like \(f(x) = 0.05\) for a \(\$200,000\) profit means there is a 5% chance of reaching that profit level.
  • In practice, businesses use these projections to plan and strategize by anticipating best and worst-case financial scenarios.
Probability Interpretation
Understanding probability interpretation is key to making sense of projected profits and aiding decision-making processes. In MRA’s probability distribution, each \(f(x)\) represents the likelihood of achieving a particular profit level. The sum of all probabilities must equal 1, denoting the completeness of all possible outcomes.
This principle is highlighted when identifying the missing probability, \(f(200)\), in MRA’s table. The initial probabilities summed to 0.95, indicating an incomplete distribution. Calculating the missing value involved subtracting the sum (0.95) from 1, yielding 0.05. Hence, the interpretation is as follows:
  • A missing probability of 0.05 signifies a 5% chance of achieving a \(\$200,000\) profit. Such interpretations are crucial as they affect how companies manage expectations and allocate resources.
  • Each probability offers insights into risk and opportunities, guiding businesses in risk management and preparedness strategies.
Profitability Analysis
Profitability analysis examines the likelihood of a company making profits. For MRA, this involved assessing which projected profit levels would result in a positive financial outcome, which means any profit greater than zero.
MRA's profitability probability is determined by adding probabilities associated with profitable outcomes. For MRA, this included probabilities for profits of \(\\(50,000\), \(\\)100,000\), \(\\(150,000\), and \(\\)200,000\), totalling a probability of 0.70. This result shows there is a 70% chance that MRA will be profitable in its first year.
Furthermore, understanding the probability of achieving significant profits, such as at least \(\\(100,000\), is part of a comprehensive profitability analysis. This was calculated by considering the probabilities of \(\\)100,000\), \(\\(150,000\), and \(\\)200,000\) profit levels, totaling 0.40.
  • Such analyses are pivotal as they guide strategic decisions, investment opportunities, and business planning.
  • By understanding profitability probabilities, companies are better positioned to set realistic financial goals and evaluate potential investments with clear expectations.

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