Statistics word problem

In summary, the problem involves four blood donors and the probability of identifying an A+ individual after typing four blood samples in random order. The probability mass function is calculated using the permutation formula, resulting in each possibility having a probability of 1/4.
  • #1
war485
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Homework Statement



There is a group of four blood donors: A, B, C and D. Only A has type
A+ blood. Four blood samples, one from each individual, will be typed in random order until an A+ individual is identified. Let Y = {number of typings necessary to identify an A+ individual}. Compute the probability mass function.

Homework Equations



permutation (order matters): n! / (n - k)!

The Attempt at a Solution



let p = probability
p(Y=1) = 1/4
p(Y=2) = permute (1,1) * permute (1,3) / permute (2,4) = 1/4
p(Y=3) = permute (1,1) * permute (2,3) / permute (3,4) = 1/4
p(Y=4) = permute (1,1) * permute (3,3) / permute (4,4) = 1/4

Even though I think the specific order matters, it doesn't make sense that they each have a probability of 1/4. Did I miss something from the problem? Does this seem right/logical?
 
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  • #2
Seems right to me.

[tex] P(Y=1) = \frac {1}{4} [/tex]

[tex] P(Y=2) = (\frac {3}{4}) (\frac {1}{3}) = \frac {3}{12} = \frac {1}{4} [/tex]

[tex] P(Y=3) = (\frac {3}{4}) (\frac {2}{3}) (\frac {1}{2}) = \frac {6}{24} = \frac {1}{4} [/tex]

[tex] P(Y=4) = (\frac {3}{4}) (\frac {2}{3}) (\frac {1}{2}) (\frac{1}{1})= \frac {6}{24} = \frac {1}{4} [/tex]
 

1. What is a statistics word problem?

A statistics word problem is a type of mathematical problem that involves collecting, organizing, analyzing, and interpreting data to make predictions or conclusions about a population. These problems often involve real-world scenarios and require the use of statistical concepts and methods to solve them.

2. What are the steps to solving a statistics word problem?

The steps to solving a statistics word problem are as follows:

  1. Read and understand the problem: Make sure you understand what the problem is asking and what data is given.
  2. Identify the appropriate variables: Determine what information is needed to solve the problem and assign variables to represent them.
  3. Collect and organize data: Gather any relevant data and organize it in a clear and understandable manner.
  4. Analyze the data: Use statistical methods such as mean, median, and mode to analyze the data and identify any patterns or trends.
  5. Interpret the results: Based on the data analysis, draw conclusions or make predictions about the population.

3. What are some common statistical concepts used in word problems?

Some common statistical concepts used in word problems include mean, median, mode, range, standard deviation, and probability. These concepts are used to describe and analyze data, make predictions, and draw conclusions.

4. How can I improve my problem-solving skills for statistics word problems?

To improve your problem-solving skills for statistics word problems, it is important to practice regularly and familiarize yourself with the different statistical concepts and methods. You can also seek help from a tutor or participate in group study sessions to gain a better understanding of the subject.

5. What are some real-world applications of statistics word problems?

Statistics word problems have various real-world applications, such as predicting sales trends, analyzing survey data, conducting market research, and making investment decisions. They are also used in fields like medicine, economics, psychology, and sociology to understand and interpret data related to human behavior and trends.

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