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Binomial setting? A binomial distribution will be approximately correct as a model for one of these two sports settings and not for the other. Explain why by briefly discussing both settings. (a) A National Football League kicker has made \(80 \%\) of his field goal attempts in the past. This season he attempts 20 field goals. The attempts differ widely in distance, angle, wind, and 50 on. (b) A National Basketball Association player has made \(80 \%\) of his free- throw attempts in the past. This season he takes 150 free throws. Basketball free throws are always attempted from 15 feet away from the basket with no interference from other players.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The binomial model is suitable for the NBA player in setting (b), not the NFL kicker in setting (a).

Step by step solution

01

Define Binomial Distribution

A binomial distribution is a probability distribution that summarizes the likelihood of a value taking on one of two independent values under a given set of parameters or assumptions. For a situation to be modeled as a binomial distribution, it must satisfy four conditions: 1) There are a fixed number of trials, 2) Each trial has only two possible outcomes (success/failure), 3) The probability of success is the same for each trial, and 4) The trials are independent.
02

Analyze Setting (a)

In the NFL kicker scenario, the four conditions for a binomial distribution are partially met. There are a fixed number of trials (20 field goals), and two possible outcomes (make/miss). However, the probability of success (making the field goal) may not be the same for each attempt since each trial differs widely due to varying distance, angle, wind, and other factors. These variables affect the independence of trials, potentially violating the constant probability and independence conditions.
03

Analyze Setting (b)

In the NBA player scenario, the conditions for a binomial distribution are more likely to be met. There is a fixed number of trials (150 free throws), two possible outcomes (make/miss), and the setup for free throws (always from 15 feet away, no player interference) ensures that the probability of success is consistent in each trial. The trials are independent because factors affecting each shot remain constant, which allows the binomial model to appropriately represent this scenario.
04

Conclusion

Given the analysis, the binomial distribution better suits setting (b) for the NBA player's free throws, as it satisfies all conditions required for a binomial distribution. Setting (a) for the NFL kicker does not meet the constant probability condition due to varying trial conditions, which impairs its fit with a binomial model.

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Key Concepts

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

Probability
Probability is the measure of how likely it is for a certain event to happen. In the context of binomial distribution, probability helps us understand the occurrence of two possible outcomes—success or failure—in a set of trials. Each trial in a binomial experiment has a certain probability of success, which remains constant across all trials.

For example, if an NBA player consistently makes 80% of free throws, the probability of success is 0.8 for each shot. Understanding probability allows us to predict outcomes and calculate the likelihood of various scenarios.
  • The formula used in binomial probability is:
    \( P(X=k) = \binom{n}{k} p^k (1-p)^{n-k} \)
    where \( n \) is the total number of trials, \( k \) is the number of successful trials, and \( p \) is the probability of success.
Being able to calculate and interpret probability is crucial for statistical analysis and making informed decisions based on data.
Statistical Modeling
Statistical modeling involves using statistical methods to represent real-world processes by creating abstract models. In the context of binomial distribution, these models help estimate the likelihood of certain events.

In statistical modeling, we use past data to predict future outcomes or understand the probability distribution of outcomes. - **Real-World Application:**
In sports settings, like free throws in basketball, the model can provide insights into the player's performance reliability. - **Benefits:**
Using models simplifies complex data, making it easier to identify patterns and trends. For instance, the binomial distribution gives teams insight into performance consistency. Statistical models are essential in turning raw data into meaningful insights, helping us make better predictions and decisions.
Binomial Conditions
The binomial conditions are specific criteria that need to be met for a scenario to be modeled accurately with a binomial distribution. These conditions ensure that the statistical model used for prediction is appropriate. Let's delve into these conditions:
  • **Fixed Number of Trials:** There must be a set number of trials. This means each experiment or situation involves a pre-determined number of attempts, like 150 free throws.
  • **Binary Outcome:** Each trial should result in one of two possible outcomes, typically success or failure, such as making or missing a shot.
  • **Constant Probability:** The probability of success must be consistent across trials. In the NBA free throw scenario, shots are standard, supporting this condition.
  • **Independence:** Each trial should be independent of others, meaning the result of one trial should not affect another. In controlled conditions, like free throws, this is more easily achieved.
These conditions are pivotal for using the binomial distribution effectively to make predictions and understand data.
Statistical Independence
Statistical independence is a key principle in probability that states the outcome of one event does not affect the outcome of another. In a binomial distribution, this independence is crucial for the trials.
  • **Importance in Modeling:** Independence allows each trial to be analyzed without the influence of previous trials. In basketball, each free throw is separate, meeting this criterion.
  • **Challenges in Non-Standard Conditions:** If the trials differ, like varying angles or wind in field goals, independence can be compromised. This affects the reliability of a binomial model in more variable conditions.
Understanding statistical independence is essential for correctly applying binomial distribution and ensuring reliable predictions and insights from data.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

College Admissions. A small liberal arts college in Ohio would like to have an entering class of 450 students next year. Past experience shows that about \(37 \%\) of the students admitted will decide to attend. The college is planning to admit 1175 students. Suppose that students make their decisaions independently and that the probability is \(0.37\) that a randomly chosen student will accept the offer of admission. (a) What are the mean and standard deviation of the number of students who accept the admissions offer from this college? (b) Use the Normal approximation to approximate probability that the college gets more students than it wants. Be sure to check that you can safely use the approximation. (c) Use software or an online binomial calculator to compute the exact probability that the college gets more students than it wants. How good is the approximation in part (b)? (d) To decrease the probability of getting more students than are wanted, does the college need to increase or decrease the number of students it admits? Using software or an online bìnomial calculator, what is the largest number of students that the college can admit if administrators want the exact probability of getting more students than they want to be no larger than \(5 \%\) ?

Estimating \(\pi\) from random numbers. Kenyon College student Eric Newman used basic geometry to evaluate software random number generators as part of a summer research project. He generated 2000 independent random points \((X, Y)\) in the unit square. [That is, \(X\) and \(Y\) are independent random numbers between 0 and 1, each having the density function illustrated in Figure \(12.4\) (page 290). The probability that \((X, Y)\) falls in any region within the unit square is the area of the region. \(]^{14}\) (a) Sketch the unit square, the region of possible values for the point \((X, Y)\). (b) The set of points \((X, Y)\) where \(X^{2}+Y^{2}<1\) describes a circle of radius 1 . Add this circle to your sketch in part (a), and label the intersection of the two regions \(A\). (c) Let \(T\) be the total number of the 2000 points that fall into the region \(A\). \(T\) follows a binomial distribution. Identify \(n\) and \(p\). (Hint: Recall that the area of a circle is \(\pi r^{2}\)-) (d) What are the mean and standard deviation of \(T\) ? (e) Explain how Eric used a random number generator and the facts given here to estimate \(\pi\).

Roulette-betting on red. A roulette wheel has 38 slots, numbered 0,00 , and 1 to 36 . The slots 0 and 00 are colored green, 18 of the others are red, and 18 are black. The dealer spins the wheel and, at the same time, rolls a small ball along the wheel in the opposite direction. The wheel is carefully balanced so that the ball is equally likely to land in any slot when the wheel slows. Gamblers can bet on various combinations of numbers and colors. (a) If you bet on "red," you win if the ball lands in a red slot. What is the probability of winning with a bet on red in a single play of roulette? (b) You decide to play roulette four times, each time betting on red. What is the distribution of \(X\), the number of times you win? (c) If you bet the same amount on each play and win on exactly two of the four plays, then you will "break even." What is the probability that you will break even? (d) If you win on fewer than two of the four plays, then you will lose money. What is the probability that you will lose money?

Using Benford's Law. According to Benford's law (Example 12.7, page 2B7) the probability that the first digit of the amount of a randomly chosen invoice is a 1 or a 2 is \(0.477\). You examine 90 invoices from a vendor and find that 29 have first digits 1 or 2 . If Benford's law holds, the count of 1 s and \(2 s\) will have the binomial distribution with \(n=90\) and \(p=0.477\). Too few \(1 \mathrm{~s}\) and \(2 \mathrm{~s}\) suggests fraud. What is the approximate probability of 29 or fewer 15 and \(2 \mathrm{~s}\) if the invoices follow Benford's law? Do you suspect that the invoice amounts are not genuine?

Is this coin balanced? While he was a prisoner of war during World War II, 14.36 John Kerrich tossed a coin 10,000 times. He got 5067 heads. If the coin is perfectly balanced, the probability of a head is \(0.5\). Is there reason to think that Kerrich's coin was not balanced? To answer this question, find the probability that tossing a balanced coin 10,000 times would give a count of heads at least this far from 5000 (that is, at least 5067 heads or no more than 4933 heads).

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