/*! 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 289 Find the variance of a random va... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91Ó°ÊÓ

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Find the variance of a random variable \(\mathrm{X}\) that is uniformly distributed over the interval \([0,3]\).

Short Answer

Expert verified
The variance of a random variable X uniformly distributed over the interval \([0, 3]\) is found using the formula \(Variance(X) = E(X^2) - (E(X))^2\). By calculating, we get \(E(X) = \frac{3}{2}\) and \(E(X^2) = 3\). Finally, the variance of X is \(Variance(X) = 3 - (\frac{3}{2})^2 = \frac{3}{4}\).

Step by step solution

01

Find E(X)

To find E(X), let's compute its integral over the entire interval [0, 3]. E(X) = \(\int_{0}^{3} x \cdot f(x) dx = \int_{0}^{3} x \cdot \frac{1}{3} dx\) Now, integrate and evaluate the integral: E(X) = \(\frac{1}{3} \int_{0}^{3} x dx = \frac{1}{3} \left[\frac{1}{2}x^2\right]_0^3 = \frac{1}{3} \cdot \frac{1}{2} \cdot (3^2 - 0) = \frac{1}{2} \cdot 3 = \frac{3}{2}\) So, E(X) = 3/2.
02

Find E(X^2)

To find E(X^2), let's compute its integral over the entire interval [0, 3]. E(X^2) = \(\int_{0}^{3} x^2 \cdot f(x) dx = \int_{0}^{3} x^2 \cdot \frac{1}{3} dx\) Now, integrate and evaluate the integral: E(X^2) = \(\frac{1}{3} \int_{0}^{3} x^2 dx = \frac{1}{3} \left[\frac{1}{3}x^3\right]_0^3 = \frac{1}{3} \cdot \frac{1}{3} \cdot (3^3 - 0) = \frac{1}{3} \cdot 9 = 3\) So, E(X^2) = 3.
03

Calculate Variance(X)

Now, we can use the formula for variance to find the variance of X: Variance(X) = E(X^2) - (E(X))^2 = 3 - (3/2)^2 = 3 - 9/4 = (12 - 9)/4 = 3/4 Hence, the variance of the random variable X uniformly distributed over the interval [0, 3] is 3/4.

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Key Concepts

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

Uniform Distribution
Uniform distribution describes a scenario where all outcomes in a certain interval are equally likely. For example, if a variable is uniformly distributed over the interval \([0, 3]\), any value between 0 and 3 is equally probable.
  • The probability density function (PDF) for a uniform distribution in \([a, b]\) is given by \(f(x) = \frac{1}{b-a}\) for \(a \leq x \leq b\).
  • In our case, \(a = 0\) and \(b = 3\), so \(f(x) = \frac{1}{3}\).
The concept is simple yet powerful in probability, as it helps in modeling situations where each interval segment has the same chance of occurrence. This equal likelihood is what defines a uniform distribution.
Expected Value
The expected value or mean of a random variable gives an idea of where values are centered. It represents the average outcome if the experiment were repeated many times.
For a continuous variable, we compute this by integrating over the interval:
  • The expected value of a uniform distribution over \([a, b]\) is given by \(E(X) = \frac{a+b}{2}\).
  • For our variable X over \([0, 3]\), the expected value is \(E(X) = \frac{0 + 3}{2} = \frac{3}{2}\).
This formula helps in predicting outcomes in practical situations by providing the central value around which all measurements are expected to hover.
Random Variable
A random variable is a quantity whose outcome is determined by a random phenomenon. In simpler terms, it's a variable that takes on different values based on the outcome of a random event.
There are two main types:
  • Discrete: This type can take distinct, separate values, like rolling a die.
  • Continuous: This type can take any value within an interval, like the uniform distribution we explored.
Understanding random variables is essential for studying probability because they help in formalizing the way we talk about random processes and their respective outcomes.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Use the properties of expectation to find the variance of the sum of two independent random variables.

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