Chapter 17: Problem 6
Passengers arrive at a security checkpoint in a busy airport at the rate of 8 per 10 -minute period. For the time between 8: 00 and 8: 10 on a specific day, find the probability that a) 8 passengers arrive b) no more than 5 passengers arrive c) at least 4 passengers arrive.
Short Answer
Expert verified
a) 0.1425; b) 0.1912; c) 0.9473
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Distribution
In this exercise, we are dealing with a Poisson distribution since we are given a number of arrivals over a fixed period of time. The average rate (\( \lambda \)) of arrivals is given as 8 passengers per 10-minute period.
02
Formulate the Probability for 8 Arrivals
To find the probability of exactly 8 passengers arriving between 8:00 and 8:10, we use the Poisson probability formula: \[ P(X=k) = \frac{e^{-\lambda} \cdot \lambda^k}{k!} \]Where \( \lambda = 8 \) and \( k = 8 \). Calculate:\[ P(X=8) = \frac{e^{-8} \cdot 8^8}{8!} \]
03
Probability Calculation for No More Than 5 Arrivals
To find the probability that no more than 5 passengers arrive, we need to calculate the cumulative probability for \( k = 0 \) to \( k = 5 \). Sum these individual probabilities using the formula from Step 2. \[ P(X \leq 5) = \sum_{k=0}^{5} \frac{e^{-8} \cdot 8^k}{k!} \]
04
Probability Calculation for At Least 4 Arrivals
To find the probability that at least 4 passengers arrive, calculate the cumulative probability from 0 to 3 and subtract it from 1.\[ P(X \geq 4) = 1 - P(X < 4) = 1 - \sum_{k=0}^{3} \frac{e^{-8} \cdot 8^k}{k!} \]
05
Perform Calculations
Using a calculator or statistical software, compute the values from Steps 2-4:- For part (a), calculate \( P(X=8) \).- For part (b), sum \( P(X=0) \) to \( P(X=5) \) to find \( P(X \leq 5) \).- For part (c), calculate \( P(X \geq 4) = 1 - P(X \leq 3) \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Probability Theory
Probability theory is a branch of mathematics that deals with the analysis of random phenomena. The outcomes of random events can often be modeled using probability distributions.
These distributions provide us with a framework to make predictions about uncertain events.
The Poisson distribution is specifically used in scenarios that involve counting the number of events in a fixed interval of time or space.
These distributions provide us with a framework to make predictions about uncertain events.
The Poisson distribution is specifically used in scenarios that involve counting the number of events in a fixed interval of time or space.
- It requires two key parameters: the average number of events in the interval (denoted by \( \lambda \)) and the actual number of occurrences we are interested in (denoted by \( k \)).
- The formula for the Poisson probability of observing \( k \) events is \( P(X=k) = \frac{e^{-{\lambda}} \cdot \lambda^k}{k!} \).
- The function \( e \) represents Euler's number, approximately 2.718. It is the base of the natural logarithm and plays a vital role in continuous processes.
Arrival Rate
The arrival rate in the context of Poisson distribution indicates the average number of events or arrivals within a specified time period.
This notion is crucial when examining situations like those at a security checkpoint, where arrivals are random yet average over time.
In the initial exercise, the arrival rate is given as 8 passengers per 10-minute period.
This notion is crucial when examining situations like those at a security checkpoint, where arrivals are random yet average over time.
In the initial exercise, the arrival rate is given as 8 passengers per 10-minute period.
- This is represented by the parameter \( \lambda \) within the Poisson distribution formula.
- By knowing \( \lambda \), we can compute the probability for different numbers of passenger arrivals.
- The rate is crucial in setting the expectation for a process over time and lays the groundwork for further calculations using Poisson's formula.
Cumulative Probability
Cumulative probability refers to the probability that a random variable takes a value less than or equal to, or greater than or equal to, a certain number.
It incorporates all individual probabilities up to a certain point.
In solving Poisson distribution problems, cumulative probabilities are often calculated to answer queries about ranges of occurrences.
It incorporates all individual probabilities up to a certain point.
In solving Poisson distribution problems, cumulative probabilities are often calculated to answer queries about ranges of occurrences.
- To find the probability of no more than 5 passengers arriving, we can sum the individual probabilities for 0 to 5 arrivals.
- The formula is \( P(X \leq 5) = \sum_{k=0}^{5} \frac{e^{-8} \cdot 8^k}{k!} \).
- For cases where at least a certain number of events are required, such as at least 4 arrivals, we need to subtract from 1 the probability of fewer events: \( P(X \geq 4) = 1 - \sum_{k=0}^{3} \frac{e^{-8} \cdot 8^k}{k!} \).