Digital Clocks: Binomial Problem Analysis and Results

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving the analysis of defective digital clocks produced by a company, specifically focusing on the application of binomial probability. Participants explore expectations of defects in a sample of clocks, calculate probabilities for specific outcomes, and discuss the underlying statistical principles.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant calculates that, given 5% defectiveness, the expected number of defective clocks in a sample of 80 is 4.
  • Another participant identifies the problem of finding the probability that exactly 6 clocks are defective as a binomial distribution scenario, providing the formula for calculation.
  • A further point discusses the probability of at least one defective clock, suggesting the use of the complement method by calculating the probability that none are defective and subtracting from 1.
  • Some participants emphasize the importance of showing work and understanding the concepts rather than seeking direct answers.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the approach to solving the problems using binomial distribution principles, but there is no consensus on the final answers or methods, as some responses focus on providing guidance rather than definitive solutions.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the mathematical steps involved in the calculations, and assumptions regarding the independence of clock defects are not explicitly stated.

Math101_McF
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A company makes digital clocks. It is determined that 5% of all clocks produced are defective.

you go to the warehouse and randomly select 80 clocks.
1. How many of the 80 clocks do you expect to be defective?

2.What is the probability that exactly 6 of the clocks are defective?

3. What is the probability that at least one of the clocks (out of 80) is defective? use the complement.
 
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Hi there,

Welcome to MHB! :)

We like to tackle one problem at a time. Which one do you want to look at? What are your thoughts on it?
 
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Math101_McF said:
1
Ok so we really want to help you but won’t give you answers. If you show what you’ve done we will do a ton to get you to the finish line but if you want answers for free this isn’t the place.

What we do have here are volunteers with PhD’s, other advanced degrees, and years of experience teaching math. We actually want you to like math and learn. For free. Promise.
 
The answer is almost given in the question:
"A company makes digital clocks. It is determined that 5% of all clocks produced are defective.

you go to the warehouse and randomly select 80 clocks.
1. How many of the 80 clocks do you expect to be defective?"
5% of 80 is (0.05)(80)= 4.

"2. What is the probability exactly 6 clocks are defective."
Each clock is either "defective" or "not defective" so this is a "binomial distribution". There are 80 clocks. The probability any given clock is broken is 0.05 and the probability it isn't is 0.95. The probability exactly 6 out of 80 are broken is $\begin{pmatrix}80 \\ 6\end{pmatrix}(0.05)^6(0.95)^{74}$.

"3. What is the probability that at least one of the clocks (out of 80) is defective? use the complement."
The opposite of "at least one" is "none". Calculate the probability that none of the 80 clocks is defective, $(0.95)^{80}$ and subtract that from 1.
 
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