What is the Joint Probability Function for Rolling a Balanced Die Twice?

In summary, the joint probability function for the experiment of rolling two dice and obtaining x 4s and y 5s is f(x,y) = (_{2}C_{x})(_{2}C_{y})/36. However, this formula does not accurately represent the probability distribution of X and Y because the number of 4s and 5s are not independent. The correct probability is equal to the probability of rolling x 5s (0, 1, or 2) which is also equal to the probability of rolling y= 2-x 4s.
  • #1
kasse
384
1
Consider an experiment that consists of 2 rolls of a balanced die. If X is the number of 4s and Y is the number of 5s obtained in the 2 rolls of the die, find the joint probability function.


[tex]f(x,y) = \frac{(_{2}C_{x})(_{2}C_{y})}{36}[/tex]

because there are [tex]_{2}C_{x}[/tex] ways to combine x 4s and [tex]_{2}C_{y}[/tex] ways to combine y 5s, and 36 possible combinations from a throw with 2 dice.

However, this formula doesn't give me the correct probability distribution of X and Y. What's my mistake?
 
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  • #2
The number of 5s and 4s are not independent. If you roll two 5s you MUST roll 0 4s. If you roll 1 5 you MUST roll 1 4. If you roll 2 4s you MUST roll two 4s.
The correct probability of rolling x 5s and y 4s is exactly equal to the probabilty of rolling x 5s (x 0, 1, or 2) which is also equal to the probability of rolling y= 2-x 4s.
 

Related to What is the Joint Probability Function for Rolling a Balanced Die Twice?

What is the probability of rolling a specific number on a six-sided die?

The probability of rolling a specific number on a six-sided die is 1/6, or approximately 16.67%. This is because there are six possible outcomes (numbers 1-6) and only one of those outcomes is the desired number. This probability remains the same for every roll of the die, as each roll is independent of the previous one.

What is the probability of rolling a certain sum with two six-sided dice?

The probability of rolling a certain sum with two six-sided dice depends on the sum you are looking for. For example, the probability of rolling a sum of 7 is 1/6, or approximately 16.67%. This is because there are six possible combinations that result in a sum of 7 (1+6, 2+5, 3+4, 4+3, 5+2, 6+1) out of a total of 36 possible combinations. However, the probability of rolling a sum of 2 or 12 is much lower, at 1/36 or approximately 2.78%, as there is only one possible combination for each of those sums.

How does the probability of rolling a certain number change with multiple rolls?

The probability of rolling a certain number does not change with multiple rolls, as each roll is independent of the previous one. For example, the probability of rolling a 3 on a six-sided die is always 1/6, regardless of how many times you roll the die. However, the more rolls you make, the more likely it is that the overall outcome will approach the expected probability. This is known as the law of large numbers.

What is the difference between theoretical probability and experimental probability?

Theoretical probability is based on mathematical calculations and assumes that all outcomes are equally likely. It is the expected probability of an event occurring. Experimental probability, on the other hand, is based on actual data from experiments or observations. It can differ from theoretical probability if the actual outcomes do not match the expected outcomes. As more and more trials are conducted, experimental probability will usually approach theoretical probability.

How does the probability of die rolls relate to real-world applications?

The probability of die rolls is used in many real-world applications, such as gambling, risk assessment, and scientific research. In gambling, understanding the probability of certain outcomes can help players make informed decisions on how to bet. In risk assessment, probability is used to calculate the likelihood of certain events happening and to inform decision-making. In scientific research, probability is used to analyze and interpret data, and to determine the significance of results.

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