Discrete Probability Mass Function

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the probability mass function (PMF) for the total profit (X) of a gas supply company negotiating contracts with two clients, A and B. The probability of securing a contract with client A is 1/4, while for client B it is 1/2. The possible profit outcomes are zero dollars, ten million dollars, and twenty million dollars, corresponding to the combinations of successful contracts. The user initially struggled with setting up the PMF but later resolved their confusion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of discrete probability distributions
  • Familiarity with probability mass functions (PMF)
  • Knowledge of mean and variance calculations
  • Basic concepts of independent events in probability
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of probability mass functions for discrete random variables
  • Learn how to calculate mean and variance for discrete distributions
  • Explore examples of independent events in probability theory
  • Review applications of PMF in real-world scenarios, such as contract negotiations
USEFUL FOR

Students studying probability theory, data analysts working with discrete data, and professionals in fields requiring statistical analysis of independent events.

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Homework Statement


A gas supply company is trying to set up contracts with two clients, A and B. The company will make a profit of ten million dollars for each contract that is successfully agreed. The probability of agreeing a deal with client A is 1/4 and the probability of agreeing a deal with client B is 1/2. The decisions of the two clients are independent. Let X be the total profit that the company will make from the two clients.

a)Find the probability mass function of X

b)Find the mean and variance of X



The Attempt at a Solution



I'm having a problem with setting up the PMF for this question.

f_X(x) =
1/4 for X = A
1/2 for X = B

This makes absolutely no sense. Furthermore, the sum of PMF has to equal to 1 but in this case, it isn't. I'm completely lost, how do I set up the PMF for this?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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X is the total profit. You might start by listing the possible values X may take.
 
Twenty million dollars, ten million dollars and zero dollars??

(edit)nvm I figured out ty
 
Last edited by a moderator:
l46kok said:
Twenty million dollars, ten million dollars and zero dollars??

(edit)nvm I figured out ty

I guess that means "never mind" and "thank you". You're welcome. Sometimes it just takes a little hint.
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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