Random Variables - Distribution and Expectations

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around a homework problem involving the probability distribution of the number of boys (B) and girls (G) that Mr. and Mrs. Brown have while continuing to have children until they have their first boy or reach five children. The sample space and probabilities for various outcomes are correctly outlined, leading to the distributions for B and G. The main concern is the calculation of expectations, specifically whether E(G) equals 31/32. It is confirmed that the calculation for E(G) is indeed correct, yielding a result of 31/32. The thread provides clarity on the expectations of random variables in this scenario.
topgun08
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Here is the homework question. I only have an issue with part c but have shown all my work up until then. Any help is appreciated!

Mr and Mrs Brown decide to continue having children until they either have their first boy or until they have
five children. Assume that each child is equally likely to be a boy or a girl, independent of all other children,
and that there are no multiple births. Let B and G denote the numbers of boys and girls respectively that the
Browns have.
(a) Write down the sample space together with the probability of each sample point.
Sample Space with probability = {B 1/2, GB 1/4, GGB 1/8, GGGB, 1/16, GGGGB 1/32, GGGGG 1/32}
(b) Write down the distributions of the random variables B and G.
Pr[B=0] = 1/32, Pr[B=1] = 31/32
Pr[G=0] = 1/2, Pr[G=1] = 1/4, Pr[G=2] = 1/8, Pr[G=3] = 1/16, Pr[G=4] = 1/32, Pr[G=5] = 1/32,

(c) Compute the expectations of B and G using a direct calculation
E(B) = 31/32

Is this below part correct. For some reason I don't think it could be correct.
E(G) = 31/32?
 
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topgun08 said:
Here is the homework question. I only have an issue with part c but have shown all my work up until then. Any help is appreciated!

Mr and Mrs Brown decide to continue having children until they either have their first boy or until they have
five children. Assume that each child is equally likely to be a boy or a girl, independent of all other children,
and that there are no multiple births. Let B and G denote the numbers of boys and girls respectively that the
Browns have.
(a) Write down the sample space together with the probability of each sample point.
Sample Space with probability = {B 1/2, GB 1/4, GGB 1/8, GGGB, 1/16, GGGGB 1/32, GGGGG 1/32}
(b) Write down the distributions of the random variables B and G.
Pr[B=0] = 1/32, Pr[B=1] = 31/32
Pr[G=0] = 1/2, Pr[G=1] = 1/4, Pr[G=2] = 1/8, Pr[G=3] = 1/16, Pr[G=4] = 1/32, Pr[G=5] = 1/32,

(c) Compute the expectations of B and G using a direct calculation
E(B) = 31/32

Is this below part correct. For some reason I don't think it could be correct.
E(G) = 31/32?

Hey topgun08 and welcome to the forums.

Assuming your distribution for G is correct in part b, your answer is also correct. I used the calculation:

E[G] = 0x1/2 + 1x1/4 + 2x1/8 + 3x1/16 + 4x1/32 + 5x1/32 = 0.96875 = 31/32
 
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