Bernoulli, Binomial & Poisson: What is pi?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the interpretation of the symbol Pi (##\pi##) in the context of discrete random variables within probability theory, specifically related to Bernoulli, Binomial, and Poisson distributions. Participants are exploring its meaning and implications in various equations provided.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants express confusion regarding the meaning of Pi, questioning whether it represents the probability of success in Bernoulli and Binomial distributions. Others clarify that Pi can also denote parameters in Poisson distributions, which may not be limited to probabilities.

Discussion Status

Several participants have provided insights into the role of Pi in different distributions, noting that it can represent the probability of success or other parameters. Questions remain about the specific interpretation of P(Y=y|Pi) and its implications for discrete random variables.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working with equations related to discrete random variables, and there is an emphasis on understanding the definitions and roles of parameters in various probability distributions. The original poster has repeated their question, indicating ongoing uncertainty.

zak100
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Homework Statement


Hi,
I have a confusion in knowing Pi in the equations attached. Eq are related to the Topic Discrete Random Variables in the context of Probability lecture
I also can't understand what is P(Y=y|Pi)?

Homework Equations



Eq are attached

The Attempt at a Solution


I can't understand the meaning of Pi. Does it mean probability of success?

Zulfi.
Discrete Random Var Bernoulli Binomial Poisson.jpg
 

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zak100 said:

Homework Statement


Hi,
I have a confusion in knowing Pi in the equations attached. Eq are related to the Topic Discrete Random Variables in the context of Probability lecture
I also can't understand what is P(Y=y|Pi)?

Homework Equations



Eq are attached

The Attempt at a Solution


I can't understand the meaning of Pi. Does it mean probability of success?

Zulfi.View attachment 230451
It looks like ##\pi## just represents the parameter of the distribution. So this is not the common definition ##\pi = 3.14##... In the Bernoulli and Binomial cases, ##\pi## is the probability of success, and in the Poisson example, ##\pi## is the average rate of occurrence.
 
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Here pi is the "success" probability for the event being counted in each distribution. Bernoulli is basically Binomial with n=1.
 
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zak100 said:

Homework Statement


Hi,
I have a confusion in knowing Pi in the equations attached. Eq are related to the Topic Discrete Random Variables in the context of Probability lecture
I also can't understand what is P(Y=y|Pi)?

Homework Equations



Eq are attached

The Attempt at a Solution


I can't understand the meaning of Pi. Does it mean probability of success?

Zulfi.View attachment 230451

Typically, for bernoulli/binomial distributions we have a single-trial "success" probability, often denoted as ##p## but sometimes as ##\pi## or some other symbol. Note that the parameter is in the range from 0 to 1, because it is a probability.

For Poisson distributions we are typically counting something (like the number of successes or failures, or the number of customers arriving at a store, or the number of radioactive decays, etc.) The mean and variance depend on some parameter, and your book is calling that parameter ##\pi##. However, unlike the bernoulli/binomial case, ##\pi## can be any positive number and need not be less than 1.
 
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Hi,
Thanks everybody for your replies.
What is meant by P(Y=y|Pi) in the above equations?

Zulfi.
 
zak100 said:
Hi,
Thanks everybody for your replies.
What is meant by P(Y=y|Pi) in the above equations?

Zulfi.
It's the probability that a discrete random variable Y (with an assumed distribution) has the value y, given that the parameter of the distribution is ##\pi##.
 
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Thanks.

Zulfi.
 

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