A Couple of Probability & Statistics Questions

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around two probability and statistics questions. The first involves understanding a formula related to a dataset with two variables, W and P, and the meaning of summations in that context. The second question pertains to calculating the probability of a fifth scenario given the probabilities of four other scenarios in a business decision-making context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the meaning of summation notation and subscripts in the context of the first problem. Questions are raised about the interpretation of the equation and the variables involved. In the second question, participants discuss the implications of having a total of five scenarios and what that means for the sum of probabilities.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the summation notation and its application, while others are questioning the validity of the second question's setup. There is a mix of interpretations being explored, particularly regarding the assumptions about the total probabilities.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the need for clarity on the definitions and assumptions underlying the problems, particularly in relation to the summation notation and the total probability in the second question.

havinnoj
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Homework Statement


I have a table with a data set #, and 2 variables (W and P) with values in the table.



Homework Equations


The equation (which I don't know what it means) says V= (summation with n on top and i=1 below Wi X Pi)/(summation with n on top and i=1 on bottom X Pi)


The Attempt at a Solution



What are the summations meaning and what do the subscript "i"'s mean?
 
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Questions 2 is "You are reviewing a business decision where you have calculated the profit for 5 possible business scenarios. If the probabilities of occurrence for four of the scenarios are 12%, 10%, 21%, and 30% respectively; what is the percent probability of occurrence for the fifth scenario.

Does this question even make sense?
 
havinnoj said:
Questions 2 is "You are reviewing a business decision where you have calculated the profit for 5 possible business scenarios. If the probabilities of occurrence for four of the scenarios are 12%, 10%, 21%, and 30% respectively; what is the percent probability of occurrence for the fifth scenario.
Does this question even make sense?

I read that as "there are exactly 5 possible scenarios". In a valid probability-model, what do you know about the sum of all possible probabilities?

k
 
kenewbie said:
I read that as "there are exactly 5 possible scenarios". In a valid probability-model, what do you know about the sum of all possible probabilities?

k

27%. I love when they are easier than you think! Thank you!

Anybody have an idea about the first one?
 
havinnoj said:

Homework Statement


I have a table with a data set #, and 2 variables (W and P) with values in the table.

Homework Equations


The equation (which I don't know what it means) says V= (summation with n on top and i=1 below Wi X Pi)/(summation with n on top and i=1 on bottom X Pi)

The Attempt at a Solution



What are the summations meaning and what do the subscript "i"'s mean?

What is X? Should that just be Pi?

Anyway, the top summation means that you are starting from the "i=1" data point (i.e. the first W and P), multiplying W and P, then doing the same for the second data points (i=2) all the way up to the n'th W and P, and then adding them all up.

In general,

\sum _{i=a} ^{n} f(i) = f(a) + f(a+1) + f(a+2) + ... + f(n)

So it just means that you start with i=a, and plug it into the function f(i). Then continuously increase 'i' by integer steps until you get to i=n, each time plugging it into the function f(i). Then simply add each f(i) that you calculated along the way.

So in your cases:

\sum _{i=1} ^{n} W_i P_i = W_1P_1+W_2P_2+...+W_nP_n

\sum _{i=1} ^{n} P_i = P_1+P_2+...+P_n
 
Last edited:
Awesome! Thank you!
 

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