/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 9 Let \(X\) denote the number of b... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91Ó°ÊÓ

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Let \(X\) denote the number of boys in a randomly selected three-child family. Assuming that boys and girls are equally likely, construct the probability distribution of \(X\).

Short Answer

Expert verified
The probability distribution of \(X\) is: \(P(X=0)=\frac{1}{8}\), \(P(X=1)=\frac{3}{8}\), \(P(X=2)=\frac{3}{8}\), \(P(X=3)=\frac{1}{8}\).

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Problem

We are tasked with finding the probability distribution of the number of boys (denoted as \(X\)) in a three-child family. Each child has an equal chance (1/2) of being a boy or a girl.
02

List All Possible Outcomes

In a three-child family, the possible outcomes for the gender of the children can be represented as a sequence of 'B' for boys and 'G' for girls. Since each child is independent, there are \(2^3 = 8\) possible sequences: BBB, BBG, BGB, BGG, GBB, GBG, GGB, and GGG.
03

Count the Number of Boys in Each Outcome

For each of the 8 sequences, determine the number of boys \(X\):- BBB: 3 boys- BBG, BGB, GBB: 2 boys each- BGG, GBG, GGB: 1 boy each- GGG: 0 boys
04

Calculate the Probability of Each Outcome

As each child is independent and the probability of a boy is 0.5, the probability of each of the 8 outcomes is \(\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^3 = \frac{1}{8}\).
05

Construct the Probability Distribution

Count the number of outcomes for each possible value of \(X\):- \(X=0\): 1 outcome (GGG), probability \(\frac{1}{8}\)- \(X=1\): 3 outcomes (BGG, GBG, GGB), probability \(3 \times \frac{1}{8} = \frac{3}{8}\)- \(X=2\): 3 outcomes (BBG, BGB, GBB), probability \(3 \times \frac{1}{8} = \frac{3}{8}\)- \(X=3\): 1 outcome (BBB), probability \(\frac{1}{8}\)Therefore, the probability distribution of \(X\) is:- \(P(X=0) = \frac{1}{8}\)- \(P(X=1) = \frac{3}{8}\)- \(P(X=2) = \frac{3}{8}\)- \(P(X=3) = \frac{1}{8}\)

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Key Concepts

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

Binomial Distribution
The Binomial Distribution is a cornerstone concept in probability and statistics, and it's particularly useful when dealing with scenarios involving two possible outcomes, such as "success or failure," or in our case, "boy or girl." In this context, each child in the family has an equal and independent 50% chance of being a boy or a girl. So, the probability of having exactly "k" boys in a family with "n" children is described by the binomial distribution formula which is essential to your calculations:

\[ P(X=k) = \binom{n}{k} p^k (1-p)^{n-k} \]
Where:
  • \( n \) is the total number of trials (children, in our case, 3)
  • \( k \) is the number of successful trials (our desired count of boys)
  • \( p \) is the probability of success on an individual trial (0.5 for each child's gender being a boy)
Filling in the values specific to our problem statement can showcase how the probabilities of 0, 1, 2, or 3 boys are produced, aligning with the calculated outcome probabilities.
Random Variables
Random Variables are quite a fascinating concept essential for understanding probability distributions. In our problem, we consider an example where the random variable, denoted as \( X \), represents the number of boys in a three-child family. Each random variable assigns a numerical outcome to an experiment or event, aligning neatly with events that have inherent randomness.

Whether \( X \) is 0, 1, 2, or 3 depends on the random realization of each child's gender. The importance of defining \( X \) is that it allows us to calculate probabilities associated with different possible numbers of a particular outcome (here, boys in a family). It simplifies complex situations into understandable numeric forms based on random events:
  • \( X = 0 \): Signifying no boys, occurring in the sequence GGG
  • \( X = 1 \): Signifying one boy, in the sequences BGG, GBG, GGB
  • \( X = 2 \): Signifying two boys, in the sequences BBG, BGB, GBB
  • \( X = 3 \): Signifying three boys, only in the sequence BBB
This analysis provides a structured way to approach and solve probability-related problems consistently.
Probability Theory
Probability Theory forms the backbone of all calculations regarding the likelihood of various outcomes in a given scenario. Its role in our exercise involves calculating the chance of different numbers of boys in a family due to their equal birth probability.

Probability theory principles guide us in accurately deriving the likelihood of each outcome, emphasizing fundamental ideas like multiplication of probabilities due to the independence of individual outcomes. By recognizing each possible sequence of children's genders as having a distinct chance of occurrence, we can summarize:
  • Equiprobable outcomes mean each combination holds equal weight initially, i.e., 1/8.
  • The independence of outcomes justifies multiplying probabilities for events occurring already, simplifying permutation calculations greatly.
Moreover, understanding cumulative probabilities helps resolve complex queries by aggregating distinct events—seen in the way total likelihoods are internally combined across scenarios (e.g., 3 outcomes for exactly 1 boy results in their joint probability of 1/8 each summed together as 3/8). Through this theory, comprehensive steps seamlessly transform into nuanced solutions.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

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