Binomial distribution of children

To calculate this probability, the formula Pr(K = k) = (n\choose k)p^k(1-p)^(n-k) is used where p is the probability of a boy or girl (0.5). However, the values of n and k are unknown and need to be solved for.
  • #1
kay123
3
0
I'm trying to figure out this problem but i keep getting stuck.

Homework Statement

A woman wants to have a 95% chance for a least a one boy and at least one girl. What is the minimum number of children that she should plan to have? Assume that the event that a child is a girl and a boy is equiprobable and independent of the gender of the other children born in the family.

Relevant equations

So i know you should use Pr(K = k) = (n\choose k)p^k(1-p)^(n-k)

The attempt at a solution

since the it's a 95% chance Pr(K=k)= .95
probability of a boy or girl is 50% so it's .5

.95= (n\choose k).5^k(1-.5)^(n-k)
but then how would you solve or find what n and k is?
Am i missing something here?

Can anyone help! thank you in advance.
 
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  • #2
kay123 said:
A woman wants to have a 95% chance for a least a one boy and at least one girl.

In other words the probability of n children being either all boys or all girls is less than 5%.
 

1. What is the binomial distribution of children?

The binomial distribution of children refers to the probability distribution of the number of children in a family, given a certain probability of having a boy or a girl. It is a discrete probability distribution that follows the binomial formula, which takes into account the number of trials (children) and the probability of success (having a boy or a girl).

2. How is the binomial distribution of children used in research?

The binomial distribution of children is used in research to analyze and understand patterns in family size and gender distribution. It can also be used to study factors that may influence the likelihood of having a boy or a girl, such as parental age or genetic predisposition.

3. What are the assumptions of the binomial distribution of children?

The assumptions of the binomial distribution of children include having a fixed number of trials (children), each trial having two possible outcomes (boy or girl), the trials being independent of each other, and the probability of success (having a boy or a girl) being the same for each trial.

4. Can the binomial distribution of children be applied to real-life situations?

Yes, the binomial distribution of children can be applied to real-life situations, such as predicting the probability of having a certain number of boys or girls in a family. However, it is important to note that this distribution is based on assumptions and may not always accurately reflect the actual outcomes.

5. How is the binomial distribution of children different from other probability distributions?

The binomial distribution of children is different from other probability distributions in that it is specifically used to model the number of successes (boys or girls) in a fixed number of trials (children). Other distributions, such as the normal distribution, may be used to model continuous variables or continuous outcomes.

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