Chapter 3: Problem 126
Refer to Exercise \(3.122 .\) Assume that arrivals occur according to a Poisson process with an average of seven per hour. What is the probability that exactly two customers arrive in the twohour period of time between a. 2: 00 P.M. and 4: 00 P.M. (one continuous two-hour period)? b. 1: 00 P.M. and 2: 00 p.M. or between 3: 00 p.M. and 4: 00 P.M. (two separate one-hour periods that total two hours)?
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Identify the Problem Type
Define Parameters for Part a
Use the Poisson Probability Formula for Part a
Calculate Probability for Part a
Identify Separate Periods for Part b
Find Probability for Each Period in Part b
Combine Probabilities for Part b
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Probability Calculation
- The formula is given by \( P(X=k) = \frac{e^{-\lambda} \lambda^k}{k!} \), where \( \lambda \) is the average number of events (arrivals) you expect to occur.
- The parameter \( k \) represents the exact number of arrivals for which the probability is calculated, such as 2 arrivals in our example.
- \( e \) is the base of the natural logarithm, approximately equal to 2.71828.
Random Events
- If customer arrivals at a store follow a Poisson process, each arrival is independent of the previous one.
- The probability of an arrival happening at any moment remains constant over time.
- In our problem, arrivals could happen at any time between two fixed periods, but they are statistically independent.
Statistical Modelling
- Predicting the number of occurrences of an event within a specific time period. For instance, how many cars pass a checkpoint.
- Understanding variance around an average rate, helping businesses and researchers manage expectations about event frequency.